What is one effect of peripheral neuropathy on a patient's foot health?

Peripheral neuropathy can significantly impact a patient's foot health by leading to foot deformities, such as hammertoes. This condition often arises from nerve damage that affects sensation and muscle control in the feet. As nerves are compromised, muscles may weaken or become imbalanced, altering foot structure over time. This can result in conditions like hammertoes, where the toes bend abnormally.

Inadequate nerve function also means reduced awareness of injuries or pressure points, which can exacerbate deformities and increase the risk of complications like ulcers or infections. Therefore, recognizing and managing the impact of peripheral neuropathy on foot health is critically important for patients, particularly those with underlying conditions such as diabetes, which is commonly associated with this type of nerve damage.