Age-related neuropathy causing numbness or burning feet? HWY Physical Therapy Clinic in Salem offers balance and nerve treatment for seniors.
If your feet feel numb at night or you notice a burning sensation that was not there a few years ago, you are not alone. Many older adults in Salem quietly deal with these changes and assume it is just part of getting older.
Age-related neuropathy happens when the nerves in your body start to lose function over time. This often begins in the feet and can slowly affect balance, walking, and confidence.
Some people describe it as pins and needles. Others say their feet feel thick, heavy, or disconnected from the floor.
The real danger is not just discomfort. It is the increased risk of falls, foot injuries, and loss of independence.
Many seniors wait too long before seeking help because the symptoms start small. What feels like mild tingling today can become serious instability later.
The good news is that there are non-drug, movement-based treatments that can improve nerve communication and stability. In this guide, you will learn what causes age-related neuropathy, the early signs to watch for, and what treatment options are available right here in Salem, Oregon.
Age-related neuropathy is a type of peripheral neuropathy that develops as nerves gradually lose function over time. It often starts in the feet because the longest nerves in the body are usually affected first.
Peripheral nerves carry messages between your brain, spinal cord, and the rest of your body. These signals control sensation, muscle movement, and automatic functions like blood flow.
When nerves are healthy, messages travel quickly and clearly. When they are damaged, signals can slow down, weaken, or send the wrong message.
That is when you may notice tingling, numbness, burning, or weakness.
As we get older, nerves regenerate more slowly. Blood circulation to the hands and feet may also decrease.
Over time, small stresses and minor injuries can build up. The body does not repair them as efficiently as it once did.
This gradual wear can lead to reduced sensation and balance problems in older adults.
Many people think neuropathy only happens if you have diabetes. Diabetes is a common cause, but seniors without diabetes can still develop nerve damage.
Age-related neuropathy often develops from a mix of aging, vitamin deficiencies, medication side effects, and circulation changes. The symptoms can feel similar, but the underlying cause may be different.
Understanding the difference helps guide the right treatment plan, especially for seniors in Salem, Oregon who want to stay active and independent.
Age-related neuropathy often starts quietly. The symptoms may seem minor at first, but they should never be ignored.
Many seniors in Salem assume these changes are just part of getting older. In reality, they are early warning signs of nerve damage.
The most common symptoms begin in the feet. You may feel tingling, pins and needles, or a burning sensation, especially at night.
Some seniors describe their toes as feeling numb or thick. Others say it feels like they are wearing invisible socks.
You might also notice reduced sensitivity to temperature. That can make it harder to detect cuts, blisters, or pressure points.
Over time, these sensory changes can spread upward from the feet to the lower legs.
When the feet lose sensation, balance becomes harder. Your brain depends on nerve feedback from your feet to know where your body is in space.
Without clear signals, walking may feel unstable. You may notice hesitation on uneven ground or difficulty walking in the dark.
This increases fall risk, which is one of the most serious concerns for older adults.
More advanced neuropathy can cause muscle weakness. You may notice your foot dragging slightly or difficulty climbing stairs.
Open sores, slow-healing wounds, or sudden worsening symptoms require immediate attention. These signs suggest the nerve damage may be progressing and should not be ignored.
Age-related neuropathy rarely has just one cause. In many seniors, several small factors combine over time.
Understanding the cause helps guide the right treatment plan. It also helps prevent further nerve damage.
As we grow older, nerve fibers slowly lose efficiency. The protective covering around nerves can thin, which affects how signals travel.
The body also repairs nerve tissue more slowly than it did in earlier years. Small injuries that once healed quickly may now linger.
This gradual decline can reduce sensation in the feet and hands. Many seniors first notice this as subtle numbness or tingling.
Vitamin B12 plays an important role in nerve health. Low B12 levels are common in older adults and can contribute to neuropathy symptoms.
Certain medications can also irritate nerves. Some drugs used for chemotherapy, heart conditions, or long-term infections may increase nerve sensitivity.
Even common medications can sometimes affect nerve function. That is why reviewing prescriptions is important when symptoms appear.
Poor circulation and neuropathy can feel similar. Both may cause cold feet, numbness, or discomfort.
Circulation problems limit oxygen delivery to tissues. Neuropathy involves damage to the nerve itself.
In many seniors, both conditions exist together. Addressing movement, strength, and blood flow can improve overall function and reduce symptoms.
Diagnosing age-related neuropathy starts with listening to your symptoms. A detailed evaluation helps determine how much nerve function has changed.
Early testing can prevent bigger problems later. It also helps guide the right treatment plan.
A provider may test how well you feel light touch, vibration, or temperature. These simple tests help identify reduced sensation in the feet or hands.
Reflexes may also be checked. Slower or absent reflexes can signal nerve involvement.
Muscle strength is evaluated to see if weakness is present. Even small differences between sides can provide important clues.
Walking patterns often change before patients realize it. A balance and gait assessment looks at step length, stability, and coordination.
You may be asked to walk in a straight line or stand with your eyes closed. These tests show how well your nerves are communicating with your brain.
Balance testing is especially important for seniors in Salem because preventing falls is a top priority.
Blood tests may be ordered to check vitamin levels, blood sugar, or thyroid function. These tests help rule out treatable causes.
Imaging is not always required, but it may be used if symptoms suggest another condition. A full evaluation ensures the right approach from the start.
Age-related neuropathy does more than cause tingling. It changes how your body senses the ground and reacts to movement.
For many seniors, this shift happens slowly. The risk increases before they fully notice it.
Your feet contain thousands of tiny nerve endings. These nerves tell your brain where your body is positioned.
When sensation decreases, that feedback becomes unclear. Your brain has less information to work with.
This can lead to slower reaction times. A small trip that once would have been corrected quickly may now result in a fall.
Uneven sidewalks, wet floors, and stairs become more dangerous. Even walking in low light can feel unsteady.
Neuropathy often progresses slowly. Because changes happen little by little, many seniors adapt without realizing it.
You may start walking more carefully. You might hold onto furniture or avoid certain activities.
These adjustments feel minor at first. Over time, they can reduce confidence and independence.
Falls are one of the leading causes of injury in older adults. A single fall can lead to fractures, hospital stays, and long recovery periods.
Addressing balance and strength early can reduce that risk. Seniors in Salem who seek help sooner often maintain mobility longer and stay active in their community.
Many seniors are told that medication is the only option for neuropathy. While medication may reduce pain, it does not restore nerve function or improve balance.
Non-drug treatment focuses on improving nerve communication, strength, and stability. The goal is to help you move with confidence again.
Physical therapy targets the root problems caused by nerve damage. Treatment often includes strength training, balance exercises, and walking retraining.
Stronger leg muscles help compensate for reduced sensation in the feet. Balance drills retrain the brain to respond more quickly to changes in position.
Gait training improves step control and reduces the risk of tripping. This is especially important for seniors who want to prevent falls and stay independent.
Newer therapies focus on improving how nerves communicate with muscles. Electrical stimulation can activate weakened nerve pathways and improve movement patterns.
Some modern neuromuscular stimulation systems are designed specifically for neurological recovery. You can learn more about this approach to neuropathy treatment at Neufit’s overview page: https://www.neu.fit/neuropathy/.
When used correctly, stimulation therapy may improve muscle activation and coordination. It is often combined with movement-based rehabilitation for better results.
Movement improves blood flow, which supports nerve health. Simple ankle mobility drills and foot strengthening exercises can make a meaningful difference.
Consistency matters more than intensity. Regular guided therapy in Salem, Oregon can help seniors protect their mobility and reduce fall risk without relying only on medication.
Professional treatment is important, but daily habits matter just as much. Small actions done consistently can protect your feet and reduce fall risk.
These steps are simple and safe for most seniors. Always move within your comfort level.
Check your feet every day, especially if you have numbness. Look for cuts, blisters, redness, or swelling.
Use a mirror or ask for help if needed. Early detection prevents small issues from becoming serious infections.
Wash and dry your feet carefully. Moisturize dry skin, but avoid lotion between the toes.
Practice standing near a sturdy counter or chair. Try shifting your weight slowly from side to side.
You can also practice heel-to-toe walking along a hallway. Keep one hand close to the wall for support.
Seated ankle pumps and gentle toe raises help improve circulation. Even five to ten minutes a day can help maintain strength.
Wear supportive shoes with firm soles. Avoid loose slippers or walking barefoot on hard floors.
Remove throw rugs and clear clutter from walkways. Install nightlights in hallways and bathrooms to reduce fall risk.
These small changes can make your home safer while you work on improving nerve function and balance.
Mild tingling that comes and goes may not seem urgent. However, certain symptoms should never be ignored.
Early treatment can slow progression and reduce fall risk. Waiting too long can make recovery harder.
Seek professional care if you notice sudden weakness in your legs or feet. Foot dragging or frequent tripping is a serious sign.
Open sores, wounds that do not heal, or changes in skin color need prompt evaluation. Loss of sensation combined with balance problems also increases danger.
Sharp, burning pain that disrupts sleep should be addressed. Rapid worsening of symptoms is another red flag.
The earlier nerve dysfunction is addressed, the better the outcome. Therapy can improve strength, coordination, and walking mechanics before falls occur.
For seniors in Salem, Oregon, early intervention often means fewer injuries and greater independence. Taking action now can protect mobility for years to come.
If you are dealing with numbness, burning feet, or balance issues, local help is available. Specialized physical therapy can make a real difference in safety and confidence.
At HWY Physical Therapy, treatment focuses on improving movement and reducing fall risk. Care plans are built specifically for older adults.
Your first visit includes a detailed evaluation of strength, sensation, and balance. Walking patterns and coordination are carefully assessed.
This helps identify which nerves and muscle groups need attention. It also allows therapists to measure fall risk accurately.
Clear testing gives you a starting point. From there, progress can be tracked step by step.
No two patients are the same. Your plan may include strength training, balance therapy, gait retraining, and nerve stimulation techniques.
Exercises are adjusted based on your comfort level and goals. The focus is always on improving stability and protecting independence.
Education is part of every visit. You will learn how to move safely at home and reduce daily fall risks.
HWY Physical Therapy is located inside Center 50+ at the Salem City Building. The address is 2615 Portland Rd NE, Salem, OR 97301.
This convenient location makes it easier for seniors in Salem to access care. To schedule an evaluation, call 971-202-1979.
Many seniors and families have similar concerns when neuropathy symptoms begin. Here are clear answers to common questions.
In many cases, nerve damage cannot be fully reversed. However, symptoms can often be improved and progression may be slowed.
Physical therapy, balance training, and movement-based treatment can improve function. Early intervention offers the best chance for better outcomes.
Yes, controlled and safe walking can help. Movement improves circulation and supports nerve health.
The key is proper guidance. Walking with poor balance or unsafe footwear can increase fall risk.
Some nerve changes occur with age, but significant numbness or burning pain is not something you should ignore. Persistent symptoms deserve evaluation.
Many treatable factors contribute to neuropathy in seniors. Identifying them early makes a difference.
Progression varies from person to person. Some seniors notice slow changes over years, while others experience faster decline.
If symptoms suddenly worsen, seek care right away. Gradual symptoms still require attention to prevent falls and loss of mobility.
If you would like to explore this topic in more depth, these trusted resources provide helpful medical information:
These sources offer additional background on nerve health, fall prevention strategies, and medical causes of neuropathy.
You do not have to manage age-related neuropathy alone. Early treatment can protect your balance, reduce fall risk, and help you stay independent.
HWY Physical Therapy provides personalized neuropathy treatment for seniors in Salem, Oregon. Every plan focuses on strength, stability, and safer movement.
If you are noticing numbness, burning feet, or balance changes, now is the time to act. A professional evaluation can identify risks before they turn into serious injuries.
Visit HWY Physical Therapy at:
Center 50+, Salem City Building
2615 Portland Rd NE, Salem, OR 97301
Call 971-202-1979 to schedule your assessment and take the first step toward safer, more confident movement.
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