Neuropathy Treatment Specialist

What is peripheral neuropathy?

Peripheral neuropathy is nerve damage affecting your peripheral nervous system. This includes all the nerves running through your body outside your brain and spinal cord (your central nervous system). 

In most cases, peripheral neuropathy causes symptoms in the legs and feet but may also affect the arms and hands. 

What are the symptoms of peripheral neuropathy?

Peripheral neuropathy can cause numerous symptoms, including:

• Numbness 
• Muscle weakness
• Poor coordination, leading to stumbling or falls
• Tingling or pins-and-needles sensations
• Burning pain
• Shock-like feelings in your arms or legs
• Electrical pain
• Difficulty walking due to pain
• Difficulty sleeping due to pain

Numbness is the first symptom of peripheral neuropathy for many people and can prevent you from noticing injuries like cuts or abrasions on the bottom of your feet.

Without proper treatment, that small cut could worsen over time, eventually becoming infected and potentially leading to foot amputation. 

What are the risk factors for peripheral neuropathy?

The risk factors for peripheral neuropathy include:

• Diabetes and uncontrolled blood sugar levels
• Excessive alcohol use
• Certain vitamin deficiencies, especially B-family vitamins
• Infections like Lyme disease, hepatitis, and Epstein-Barr virus
• Toxin exposure
• Autoimmune illnesses such as Guillain-Barre syndrome, rheumatoid arthritis, or lupus
• Kidney disorders and diseases
• Liver disorders and diseases
• Thyroid disorders and diseases

Also, your chances of developing peripheral neuropathy increase if you have a family history of the disease.

How is peripheral neuropathy diagnosed?

The Neuropathy and Pain Centers of Texas team start with a comprehensive medical history review and a thorough physical exam. You may need blood tests, imaging tests, and nerve function tests like electromyography (EMG) to narrow down the cause of your symptoms. 

An accurate diagnosis is crucial in recommending the proper treatment path, so the team persists until they find the root cause of your peripheral neuropathy. 

How is peripheral neuropathy treated?

Peripheral neuropathy treatment at Neuropathy and Pain Centers of Texas emphasizes natural (non-medication) approaches to lasting symptom relief. Treatment options include:

• Massage therapy
• Cold laser therapy
• M6 MLS® (multi-wave locked system) robotic laser 
• Chiropractic care
• Nutritional counseling
• Advanced stimulators
  
  

A multifaceted treatment approach often offers the best results, and natural treatments also support whole-body wellness. 

If you experience shock-feeling in your arms or legs or notice other troubling sensations, call the nearest Neuropathy and Pain Centers of Texas office or schedule an appointment online.