Do I Have Peripheral Neuropathy?

Peripheral neuropathy refers to the condition that can occur if your peripheral nerves get diseased or damaged. The peripheral nerves are the nerves that exist outside of your brain and spinal cord. This condition can impair muscle activity and cause pain and other uncomfortable sensations in your arms and legs.

It’s estimated that up to 30% of Americans will experience peripheral neuropathy. Neuropathy is also heavily associated with certain diseases, especially diabetes. In fact, up to 70% of people who live with diabetes are affected by neuropathy.

In this blog, the podiatry team at Premier Foot & Ankle explain more about what peripheral neuropathy is and the treatment options that are available. 

Neuropathy symptoms

Though the most common symptoms discussed about peripheral neuropathy are numbness and tingly sensations, this condition can cause a number of other symptoms as well, including the following: 

• Weakness 
• Sharp pain
• Burning sensations
• Throbbing ache
• Pain hypersensitivity
• Impaired muscle activity that limits movement
• Compromised coordination 

If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, you should seek a professional evaluation. 

Neuropathy risk factors

You have a higher chance of developing peripheral neuropathy if you have any of the following issues:

• Diabetes
• Liver disease
• Shingles
• Lyme disease
• Autoimmune disorders, such as lupus, multiple sclerosis, and inflammatory bowel disease
• Have been treated with chemotherapy for cancer

If you have neuropathy, it’s important to get a diagnosis and a treatment plan, because if it’s left untreated, you could develop serious complications. For example, if you develop numbness in your feet, you could injure yourself and not know it. And this could lead to infection or even amputation.

Treatments for neuropathy

Nerve damage from neuropathy is irreversible. However, treatment can help you manage your condition. The podiatrists at Premier Foot & Ankle have an arsenal of treatments that can help you with your neuropathy symptoms.

Before recommending how to treat you, your provider will examine your medical history, current health conditions, and the severity of your symptoms. They may suggest one or a combination of the following treatments:

Multiwave Locked System Laser therapy

Also known as MLS Laser Therapy, this treatment delivers laser energy to your area of pain to decrease inflammation, improve blood flow, and promote cell renewal.

Extracorporeal Pulse Activation Treatment

Also known as EPATⓇ, this FDA-approved, noninvasive treatment uses shockwaves to energize your metabolism and increase your blood flow.

Podiatherm

Podiatherm utilizes radiofrequency energy to address neuropathy discomfort. During treatment, you receive local anesthesia, and Podiatherm treatment renders your nerve unable to transmit pain.

Platelet-rich plasma therapy

With this treatment, platelets from your own blood are harvested and injected into injured areas to promote tissue healing and regeneration.

Other treatments may include the following:

• Special shoes and custom made orthotics to mitigate discomfort
• Over-the-counter pain medications
• Prescription pain medications
• Therapeutic nerve blocks, which are injections that have medication to block pain signals

If you have diabetes, make sure to manage your blood sugar well and take good care of your feet. Examining your feet daily and keeping them moisturized will help keep your feet healthy and will also help you notice injuries or infections early.

To learn more about neuropathy and to get a thorough evaluation and treatment if needed, book an appointment online or over the phone with Premier Foot & Ankle today.