Peripheral Neuropathy
Peripheral neuropathy refers to pain conditions that occur when nerves that carry signals from the brain and spinal cord to the rest of the body become damaged or diseased. Peripheral nerves branch off from the spinal cord and are responsible for linking the spine and brain with the rest of the body.
The word peripheral means “beyond” and in this instance literally means “beyond the brain and spinal cord.” When these nerves become damaged or diseased, it can limit muscle mobility, reduce feeling in the limbs, and cause pain in the extremities.
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What causes peripheral neuropathy?
There are many potential causes of peripheral neuropathy, often making it difficult to identify the specific cause.
Acquired neuropathies are the result of illness, injury, or infection such as diabetes (diabetic peripheral neuropathy), malnutrition, cancer, alcohol abuse, kidney issues, Lyme disease, AIDS, nerve trauma, vitamin deficiencies, or exposure to poisons/toxins.
Hereditary neuropathies are less common forms of peripheral neuropathy that are passed on genetically.
Idiopathic neuropathy is the term used when the cause of the peripheral neuropathy is unknown.
What are symptoms of peripheral neuropathy?
Some of the primary symptoms of peripheral neuropathy include:
- Numbness or tingling in the feet, hands, legs, and/or arms
- Sharp, stabbing, throbbing, or burning pain
- Extreme sensitivity to touch or pressure, such as pain when laying a blanket on your feet
- Lack of coordination, tripping, or falling
- Muscle weakness
- Feeling as if you’re wearing gloves or socks when you’re not
- Paralysis if motor nerves are affected
How is peripheral neuropathy treated?
While there is no cure for peripheral neuropathy, you can take steps to prevent it. The best ways to do this are by actively managing any illnesses known to cause it, maintain a healthy diet, get regular exercise, avoid exposure to toxins or chemicals, and minimize/eliminate your consumption of alcohol and tobacco products.
Should you experience the onset of peripheral neuropathy, Twin Cities Pain Clinic specializes in many highly effective treatments for providing pain relief, including:
- Physical therapy
- Medication management
- SPRINT® peripheral nerve stimulation
- Dorsal root ganglion stimulation
- Spinal cord stimulation
Schedule an appointment with Twin Cities Pain Clinic to learn how we can help relieve your peripheral neuropathy pain.
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