Revolutionizing Neuropathy Detection: How The Foot Institute's SmartSKAN Technology Unveils Hidden Foot Pain
Are you experiencing unexplained foot pain? Peripheral neuropathy could be the problem—and one of the first signs could be changes in how you sweat.
At The Foot Institute, our El Paso podiatrists are pioneering a new approach to detecting and treating neuropathy-related foot pain using cutting-edge SmartSKAN technology. This innovative method uncovers sweat gland dysfunction that could be the key to unlocking relief for your aching feet.
The Hidden Link Between Sweat Glands and Peripheral Neuropathy
Sweat glands are tiny structures in your skin that produce sweat. They play a crucial role in regulating your body temperature and maintaining skin health. In your feet, these glands keep your skin moist and supple.
Your autonomic nervous system controls sweat gland function. When small nerve fibers are damaged—as happens when a person suffers from peripheral neuropathy caused by diabetes—this control can be affected. Sweat gland dysfunction can manifest in two ways:
- Hyperhidrosis. This is when sweat glands are overactive and produce more sweat than necessary. While this might seem unrelated to neuropathy, hyperhidrosis can actually be an early sign of nerve damage.
- Anhidrosis. This is when sweat glands don't produce enough sweat. In the context of neuropathy, anhidrosis is more common.
Changes in sweat gland function often occur before other noticeable symptoms of nerve damage appear. By monitoring these changes, we can potentially identify peripheral neuropathy in its earliest stages.
This early detection gives us a valuable window of opportunity. As your foot care specialists, we can initiate treatment to slow the progression of neuropathy and minimize its impact on your quality of life. Neuropathy can’t be cured, but treatment can help you reduce the risk of complications such as:
- Loss of sensation leading to unnoticed injuries and balance problems
- Dry skin leading to calluses and open sores with a risk of infection
- Increased risk of foot deformities such as hammer toes, claw toes, and Charcot foot
- Chronic pain that makes it hard to complete everyday tasks
Using Advanced SmartSKAN Technology for Early Neuropathy Detection
At The Foot Institute, we're proud to offer our patients access to the revolutionary SmartSKAN device. SmartSKAN works by measuring Electrochemical Sweat Conductance (ESC) in your hands and feet. It uses a low-level voltage to stimulate sweat glands, then measures the electrochemical reaction between electrodes and chloride in your sweat. This dynamic method can reveal sweat dysfunction that might not be detectable under normal conditions. The procedure is quick, noninvasive, and pain-free.
The beauty of SmartSKAN lies in its ability to produce detailed, quantitative data. As your trusted foot care specialists in El Paso, we use this information to assess small nerve fiber dysfunction—giving us unprecedented insight into the root causes of your foot pain. It’s a level of diagnostic precision that helps us ensure you’re not wasting time or money on unnecessary treatments.
How Our El Paso Podiatrists Incorporate SmartSKAN Technology Into Treatment Plans
SmartSKAN allows us to identify small fiber neuropathy in its earliest stages—often before you experience severe symptoms. This early detection is crucial because it enables us to start managing the condition before it progresses.
The detailed reports generated by SmartSKAN also enable us to create highly individualized treatment plans. At The Foot Institute, our El Paso podiatrists don't believe in one-size-fits-all solutions for foot pain. Instead, we tailor our approach to your specific needs, addressing the underlying causes of your neuropathy, tracking your progress over time, and adjusting your treatment plan as needed to ensure you're always receiving the most effective care for your foot pain.