Neuropathy Specialist

What causes neuropathy?

Neuropathy refers to any type of nerve problem. Though you can have damaged nerves in any part of your body, neuropathy most often affects your feet or hands.

The many different types of neuropathy are classified into several broad categories. Of those, the most common type, peripheral neuropathy, develops from exposure to toxins and many health conditions, including:

• Diabetes
• Herniated discs
• Spinal stenosis
• Degenerative disc disease
• Kidney disease
• Hypothyroidism
• Peripheral artery disease
• Viral and bacterial infections
• Vitamin B12 deficiency
• Autoimmune diseases

Diabetes accounts for more cases of peripheral neuropathy than all other causes. Carpal tunnel syndrome is another common type of neuropathy.

What symptoms develop if I have neuropathy?

The symptoms of neuropathy depend on the type of nerve that has damage. You may experience any of the following:

• Pain
• Tingling
• Numbness
• Muscle weakness
• Muscle deterioration
• Excessive sweating
• Rapid heartbeat
• Dizziness
• Swollen feet or hands

Your symptoms may range from mild to debilitating, and the pain may feel like a burning sensation or a sharp electric shock. With pinched nerves, the pain and tingling can travel along the nerves, causing pain that shoots into your arms or legs.

How is neuropathy diagnosed?

Your Complete Neurological Care provider begins diagnosing your neuropathy by getting a clear picture of your medical history and symptoms, finishing physical and neurological exams, and ordering blood tests. The information they obtain helps them rule out some of neuropathy’s many possible causes.

Then they perform nerve conduction and electromyography. These diagnostic tests measure the strength and speed of nerve impulses and how well muscles respond to nerve stimulation. The results show if the problem lies in your nerves or muscles.

How is neuropathy treated?

Complete Neurological Care treats the medical condition responsible for your neuropathy while also taking steps to ease your symptoms. In some cases, treating the root cause also eliminates neuropathy.

However, there is no cure for some underlying conditions such as diabetes. If you have diabetic neuropathy, it’s essential to control your blood sugar levels. Maintaining normal blood sugar minimizes your symptoms and prevents neuropathy from getting worse. 

Your neuropathy treatment plan may include any of the following:

• Anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving medications
• Corticosteroid injections
• Exercise and/or physical therapy
• Radiofrequency ablation
• Epidural injections
• Nerve block
• Nerve decompression

Peripheral nerves often heal, but it depends on the location, extent, and cause of the nerve damage.

If you struggle with nerve pain, tingling, or numbness, call Complete Neurological Care, or schedule an appointment online today.