Neuropathy

What is neuropathy?

Neuropathy — also called peripheral neuropathy — is a neurological condition that causes damage to and deterioration of the peripheral nerves in your feet, legs, hands, and arms. Your peripheral nerves are responsible for sending signals to your brain about pain, temperature, pressure, and vibration.

When these nerves are damaged, either the brain doesn’t get the signals or the brain can’t signal other nerves in the area to contract your muscles and move your limb away from the painful stimulus. With neuropathy, you may not feel when you’re touching a pan that’s too hot or when you have pebbles in your shoe that could cut your foot.

What causes neuropathy?

In 60% of cases, neuropathy is caused by diabetes. Other causes of neuropathy include:

• Autoimmune conditions
• Inherited conditions
• Trauma
• Alcoholism
• Vascular and blood problems
• Chemotherapy drugs
• Infections
• Vitamin imbalances or nutritional deficiencies
  
  

While some causes of neuropathy can be reversed by finishing a course of chemotherapy and discontinuing chemo drugs or improving your nutrition, other types of neuropathy can cause progressive or permanent damage.

How is neuropathy diagnosed?

To diagnose neuropathy, your provider asks you a series of questions related to your condition to determine the severity of your symptoms and how long you’ve had the symptoms. They then perform a complete physical exam, assessing your muscle strength, flexibility, range of motion, and the nerve supply to your arms, hands, legs, and feet.

Other tests may involve checking your reflexes or balance to rule out issues in the central nervous system, including your brain and spinal cord. The team may refer you to a testing center for electromyography (EMG) or nerve conduction tests if needed.

How is neuropathy treated?

Based on your diagnosis and the cause of your condition, your provider recommends an appropriate treatment plan. Your treatment may include lifestyle advice to manage your blood pressure or diabetes — including referrals to appropriate specialists when needed.

The team also offers a variety of treatments to reduce the pain and discomfort associated with neuropathy. Regenerative medicine — including laser therapy — can help repair damaged tissues while therapeutic ultrasound and rehab services can decrease inflammation and improve your balance and muscle strength.

Learn more about neuropathy treatment options by visiting Florida Neuro Pain & Spine Center. Call or click the online scheduling tool to book an appointment now.