What is Peripheral Neuropathy?
Peripheral Neuropathy is a result of the damage of the Peripheral Nervous System. The Peripheral nerves play an important role by sending signals between the Central Nervous System (the brain and spinal cord) and the rest of the body. A recurring feeling of tingling, prickling or numbness in the feet and hands is one of the most common symptoms of Peripheral Neuropathy. This is due to the narrowing of a persons’ blood vessels.
What Are The Causes of Peripheral Neuropathy?
Nerve injury can be a result of various factors, which include bodily injury and illness. The following are the conditions that can cause Peripheral Neuropathy:
- Traumatic injuries
- Diabetes
- Metabolic problems
- Exposure to toxins
- An infection
- Chronic Kidney disease
- Genetic mutation
- Chemotherapy treatment
- Autoimmune diseases that affect the nerves (Lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, Guillain-Barre syndrome, etc.)
- Some cancers
What Are The Main Symptoms of Peripheral Neuropathy?
The symptoms of Peripheral Neuropathy vary due to the different causes and which nerves were affected. The main symptoms of Peripheral Neuropathy to watch for include:
- A tingling, prickling or numb feeling
- Increased pain
- Decrease or loss of reflexes
- Muscle cramps
- Shooting or stabbing pains that could feel worse at night
- Inability to detect changes in temperature
- Excessive sweating or no sweating
- Foot and leg ulcers infection
- Gangrene is the death of tissue in some parts of the hand and feet.
- Bowel and digestive problems
- Blood pressure problems
Methods of Treating Peripheral Neuropathy
Treatment of Peripheral Neuropathy can involve a single nerve or various nerves. At The Pain Center, we examine each patient carefully to determine an appropriate individualized treatment for their case. Treatment can be administered in various ways, which can include:
- For very painful Neuropathies, we utilize Nerve Stimulation Therapy. This procedure doesn't take long, and the client can resume their normal activities almost immediately.
- Peripheral Neuropathy symptoms can be managed by medications that can relieve pain and reduce numbness.
- The treatment of Peripheral Neuropathy also involves dealing with the underlying condition. For instance, if it is diabetes, dealing with high blood sugar can prevent further nerve damage.
- It could also involve dealing with the suspected toxins that are causing damage by removing exposure to a suspected toxin or stopping the use of a drug.
- Physical therapy
When to See a Pain Management Specialist for Peripheral Neuropathy
If you or a loved one are experiencing any of the above-mentioned peripheral neuropathy symptoms, it is important to see a pain specialist right away. Peripheral Neuropathy symptoms can be uncomfortable and early intervention and diagnosis can help manage symptoms so that they do not cause further damage to your nerves and interfere with your day to day activities. At The Pain Center, we guarantee the best care and treatment by our pain management specialists. Submit a contact form or call us at (208) 342-9800 for a consultation regarding Peripheral Neuropathy, and we will schedule an appointment for you as soon as possible.