Neuropathy Specialist

What is neuropathy?

Neuropathy develops when your nerves are damaged. It most commonly affects the peripheral nerves in your feet, hands, legs, and arms but can affect any nerve in your body.

You may have damage on just one nerve — mononeuropathy — or multiple nerves — polyneuropathy. It’s also possible to have nerve damage at different locations throughout your body in a condition known as multiple mononeuropathy.

What are the symptoms of neuropathy?

The earliest and most common symptoms of neuropathy are tingling sensations or numbness in your hands or feet. 

However, neuropathy symptoms depend on where the nerve damage is located in your body and what type of nerve is affected. You have three types of nerves: sensory, motor, and autonomic.

For example, if you have nerve damage on your sensory or motor nerves, you may have symptoms including:

• A numbness that gradually spreads from your feet or hands through your legs or arms
• Stabbing or burning pain sensations
• Sensitivity to touch or temperature
• Loss of coordination or strength — for example, you might not be able to grasp a pen or cup
• Muscle weakness or paralysis

If neuropathy affects your autonomic nerves, your symptoms may include:

• Abnormal sweating
• Loss of bowel or bladder control
• Digestive problems
• Changes in blood pressure

Schedule an appointment at Physical Therapy & Sports Medicine Center if you notice any signs of numbness or tingling in your hands and feet. You can control your symptoms and reduce your risk of increased nerve damage and other symptoms with early medical treatment.

How is neuropathy diagnosed?

Your doctor at Physical Therapy & Sports Medicine Center can diagnose neuropathy with a physical exam, blood tests, and other diagnostic studies, including electromyography nerve function tests. 

During your exam, your doctor may test your nerves and reflexes as well as your muscle strength and tone. 

Blood tests may reveal vitamin deficiencies and other conditions that contribute to neuropathy, such as diabetes.

How is neuropathy treated?

Neuropathy treatment can vary with your underlying conditions. Physical Therapy & Sports Medicine Center customizes your care for the particular situation.

For example, if you have peripheral neuropathy due to diabetes, the Physical Therapy & Sports Medicine Center team can help with weight loss and healthy lifestyle changes to control your blood sugar and reduce neuropathy symptoms. 

If you have severe tingling, nerve pain, and other issues because of neuropathy, you might need radiofrequency ablation. This treatment sends radiofrequency pulses into your damaged nerve. This energy heats the nerve, essentially deactivating it to prevent the signaling causing your issues. 

Call Physical Therapy & Sports Medicine Center or make an appointment online today for expert diagnosis and treatment for neuropathy.