What Is Neuropathy and Why It Matters

Many people assume foot and ankle pain is just from overuse or aging, but at Four Peaks Foot & Ankle we know that nerve-related foot and ankle pain—also called neuropathy—can silently undermine comfort, mobility, and quality of life. In short, neuropathy means your peripheral nerves (especially in the feet and ankles) are damaged or dysfunctional, sending wrong signals such as tingling, burning, numbness, or sharp, shooting pain instead of normal sensations.

At Four Peaks Foot & Ankle, the team emphasizes a hands-on examination and comprehensive evaluation under the leadership of Dr. Mary K. Benjamin-Swonger, DPM. The practice offers a more personal, patient-centered approach than many other clinics.

It matters because untreated nerve pain can lead to increased risk of falls, reduced activity, and even foot ulcers—especially when underlying conditions like diabetes are involved. The sooner a proper evaluation happens, the better the chance of meaningful relief.

Common Causes of Nerve Pain in the Feet and Ankles

At Four Peaks Foot & Ankle, several causes of nerve pain are routinely examined. Below are the key underlying factors your podiatrist will consider.

• Diabetes and reduced circulation: One in four people with diabetes develop nerve damage in their feet. Poor circulation caused by diabetes affects nerves first in the extremities.
• Compression and trauma: Nerves that become pinched, crushed, or irritated—such as through tarsal tunnel syndrome or Morton’s neuroma—can trigger chronic burning, tingling, or numbness.
• Systemic issues: Other causes include nutritional deficiencies, cancer treatments, autoimmune disorders, and repetitive stress injuries.

Because your feet and ankles bear so much weight and stress, any of these causes can manifest severely in that region. At Four Peaks, the aim is to find the root cause of the neuropathy rather than simply masking symptoms.

Recognizing the Signs: When to Seek Help

It’s wise to take nerve pain seriously and act early. Some common red flags include:

• Persistent or recurring tingling, pins and needles, or burning sensations in the feet or ankles
• Sharp or shooting pains when standing or walking for extended periods
• Numbness or decreased sensation in your feet, particularly risky for diabetic patients
• A feeling of walking on something inside your shoe
• Sudden increase in pain, or worsening symptoms despite rest

At Four Peaks, the message is simple: if you’re having pain in your foot or ankle, it is not normal—and you should have it evaluated to identify what is going on and how to treat it.

Attending to nerve pain early improves the odds of reversing or controlling the damage rather than letting it progress. Many times, nerve damage can be entirely healed, and in some cases, there are treatments that can reduce discomfort. The sooner symptoms are recognized and addressed, the more likely they can be treated without permanent effects.

Treatment Options Offered by Four Peaks Foot & Ankle

At Four Peaks Foot & Ankle, personalized, multi-modal treatment strategies are designed to target both the source and the symptoms of neuropathy.

Comprehensive Evaluation

• Hands-on exam by Dr. Benjamin-Swonger, who specializes in neuropathy care
• Review of underlying conditions such as diabetes, circulation, or nerve compression
• Diagnostic imaging or nerve conduction evaluation as needed
• Root-cause focus rather than symptom-only approach

Conservative, Non-Invasive Therapies

• Custom foot orthotics and proper footwear to reduce nerve irritation
• Activity modification and off-loading pressure from affected nerves
• Lifestyle optimization such as managing blood sugar, circulation, and weight
• Laser therapy to help block pain and decrease nerve sensitivity

Interventions for Compression or Advanced Cases

• Targeted approaches to relieve pressure from the nerve when compression is identified
• Collaboration with other specialists, such as vascular or neurology experts, when needed
• Patient education to empower individuals to manage long-term nerve health

Long-Term Management and Prevention

• Monitoring foot health, especially in diabetic patients with decreased sensation
• Periodic follow-ups to ensure nerve health is maintained and risk factors are managed
• Customized plans tailored to each patient’s lifestyle and long-term goals

Why Choose Four Peaks Foot & Ankle for Nerve Pain Relief

Choosing the right provider makes all the difference. At Four Peaks Foot & Ankle, patients benefit from:

• Nearly 30 years of board-certified podiatric experience under Dr. Mary K. Benjamin-Swonger
• A patient-centered approach in a welcoming, modern setting
• Advanced technology, including laser therapy and modern diagnostics
• Comprehensive services ranging from diabetic foot care to sports injuries and nerve pain management
• A trusted reputation built on compassionate care and thorough diagnosis

Taking the First Step Toward Relief

If you’re experiencing persistent foot or ankle nerve pain, tingling, numbness, or burning, don’t wait to seek help. At Four Peaks Foot & Ankle, you can schedule a full evaluation to identify the cause of your nerve pain and create a customized plan that addresses both symptoms and root issues. Together, you can restore mobility, relieve discomfort, and reclaim an active, pain-free lifestyle.

Ready to get started? Contact Four Peaks Foot & Ankle to schedule your neuropathy-focused consultation in Phoenix, AZ.