What is neuropathy?
Neuropathy describes nerve damage. In peripheral neuropathy, damage occurs in the nerves outside your brain and spinal cord.
These peripheral nerves are responsible for providing sensations to your arms, legs, hands, and feet. They also carry signals to and from your brain to control your muscles and automatic functions like digestion and breathing.
Damage to your peripheral nervous system can occur due to underlying medical conditions like:
- Diabetes
- Smoking
- Infections
- Autoimmune disease
- Hormonal imbalances
- Vitamin insufficiencies
You can also develop peripheral neuropathy following injuries from a fall or other traumatic event.
What are the symptoms of neuropathy?
The symptoms of neuropathy depend on the type of nerves that are damaged. Within your peripheral nervous system are different types of nerves: motor, sensory, and autonomic nerves.
Motor nerve damage symptoms
Your motor nerves control muscle movements. Damage can cause muscle weakness, cramps, and twitching.
Sensory nerve damage symptoms
Your sensory nerves provide sensations of touch. Neuropathy can cause symptoms like tingling or numbness in your hands and feet. You may also experience pain sensations with even the slightest touch.
Autonomic nerve damage symptoms
Autonomic nerves control unconscious functions like breathing, swallowing, and blood pressure. Damage to these nerves can cause gastrointestinal symptoms, high blood pressure, and swallowing issues.
How is neuropathy diagnosed?
During your initial evaluation for neuropathy, Dr. Wynn spends time reviewing your personal and family medical history. He performs a physical exam and may order bloodwork to identify uncontrolled diabetes or infections.
Dr. Wynn may also recommend nerve conduction studies that measure the electrical signals in your muscles and nerves.
How is neuropathy treated?
Your treatment plan for neuropathy may start with medications to control your pain and help you stay physically active.
If oral medications aren’t enough, Dr. Wynn may recommend injections of anesthetic medications into the area where he identifies nerve damage. The anesthetic disrupts pain signals from traveling to your brain.
Dr. Wynn may also recommend physical therapy to keep your muscles strong. You may benefit from acupuncture to improve your blood circulation and relax your muscles as part of your pain management plan.
It’s also important that you address the underlying cause of neuropathy. Dr. Wynn can work with your physician or specialist to ensure conditions like diabetes are well-controlled.
You don’t have to keep suffering from neuropathy pain. Call Wynn Over Pain or book an appointment online today to learn more about available nonsurgical solutions for pain relief.
