What is neuropathy?
Neuropathy occurs when one or more of your nerves get damaged. It can result in symptoms that feel uncomfortable or interfere with everyday tasks. Peripheral neuropathy occurs with damage to nerves outside your spinal cord and brain. The condition commonly affects the hands and feet.
What are the symptoms of neuropathy?
Common signs and symptoms you may experience with neuropathy include:
- Pain
- Numbness
- Tingling
- Buring
- Sharp or jabbing pain
- Touch sensitivity
- Muscle weakness
- Loss of coordination
- Heat intolerance
- Excessive sweating
Painful diabetic neuropathy can happen with diabetes-related nerve damage. You may feel like you’re wearing socks or gloves when you’re not. Early diagnosis and treatment of neuropathy offer the best chance of preventing further nerve damage.
What are the risk factors for neuropathy?
Neuropathy can happen to anybody, but some factors increase your risk of developing it. Examples include diabetes, heavy alcohol use, vitamin B deficiencies, toxin exposure, infections, and autoimmune diseases.
Other risk factors include a family history of neuropathy, repetitive motions, some meditations, nerve trauma, and kidney, thyroid, or liver disorders.
How does my provider diagnose neuropathy?
To diagnose neuropathy and develop a treatment plan, your pain specialist reviews your symptoms and medical history. They complete comprehensive physical and neurological exams and might recommend you undergo blood tests, CT scans, MRIs, nerve function tests, or skin and nerve biopsies.
What are common neuropathy treatments?
Common neuropathy treatments your pain specialist may suggest include:
Membrane stabilizers
Membrane stabilizing medications can enhance neural membrane structure to reduce or prevent nerve pain.
Spinal cord stimulators
A spinal cord stimulator is an implantable device your pain specialist places underneath your skin to send electric pulses to the spinal cord for pain relief.
Peripheral nerve stimulators
Your physician can place a tiny electrical device next to peripheral nerves to deliver electrical pulses to them and relieve discomfort.
Home remedies
Home remedies that may reduce neuropathy pain include properly managing blood sugar with diabetes, eating healthy foods, getting regular exercise, avoiding excessive alcohol consumption, maintaining a healthy weight, and not smoking.
Physical therapy
Interventional Pain Consultants can refer out for physical therapy services to increase strength, reduce pain, and improve your mobility.
Don’t live with neuropathy pain, numbness, or tingling when help is within reach. Call the Interventional Pain Consultants office nearest you to schedule an appointment or book online today.
