Neuropathy & Nerve Pain Specialist

What are the symptoms of peripheral neuropathy?

Peripheral neuropathy generally affects your sensory nerves, those nerves that deal with sensations like pain, temperature, and vibrations. Some common symptoms of peripheral neuropathy include:

• Nerve pain - usually in extremities, may be throbbing, stabbing, icy-cold or searing hot
• Heightened sensitivity - extreme discomfort when you touch or are touched
• Numbness - lack of feeling, particularly in feet or hands
• Coordination problems - poor coordination, may be tied to numbness

If your autonomic nerves, those that control your bodily functions like heart rate, are affected, you may also have bladder problems, digestion issues, blood pressure changes, and temperature regulation issues.

Why does neuropathy and nerve pain occur?

Neuropathy has many possible causes. The majority of cases are acquired, which means that you developed neuropathy or nerve pain after birth (and usually in adulthood). Some cases are genetic, which means you inherited it. If you have acquired neuropathy, one of the following things is probably the likely cause.

• Diabetes: Leading cause, affects up to 70% of all diabetes sufferers
• Physical injury: Including those from accidents like falls and auto collisions
• Autoimmune conditions: Including lupus and rheumatoid arthritis
• Vascular issues: Anything that reduces oxygen to your peripheral nerves can contribute

Peripheral neuropathy can start after using certain chemotherapy drugs, with severe vitamin imbalance, or for many other reasons.

How is peripheral neuropathy treated?

The highly trained team at North Texas Orthopaedic & Spine is here to help you get back to the level of function you desire. Whether that means simply getting back to your usual daily work routine or resuming an active sports career, there are solutions to help you recover.

Some patients successfully reduce their symptoms with lifestyle changes like improved blood sugar control, weight loss, and regular exercise. Over-the-counter or prescription medication can help for occasional short-term pain.

Injections to relieve the pain are often a good solution for chronic peripheral neuropathy pain, but the effects are different for everyone. They may last from days to months.

Currently, the “gold standard” for many kinds of peripheral neuropathy is a dorsal column stimulator, also called a spinal cord stimulator. This implanted device essentially interrupts the pain signals before they can travel to your brain.

Numbness can be difficult to address, but your care providers will help you recover maximum feeling and use of your hands and feet.

Your care providers will discuss all of your possible treatment options with you in detail. At North Texas Orthopaedic & Spine, you’re always an active participant in your treatment plan!

Call the office today or book an appointment online for neuropathy and nerve pain symptom relief now.