Neuropathy Specialist

What is neuropathy?

When you have neuropathy, your peripheral nervous system sustained damage. You have two parts to your nervous system: The peripheral nervous system and the central nervous system.

Your peripheral nervous system contains the complex network of nerves running throughout your entire body. This system of nerves communicates with your central nervous system. Your skull, spine, and vertebral canal protect your brain, nerves, and spinal cord, or your central nervous system.

If part of your peripheral nervous system gets damaged, you can have physical symptoms, like numbness, weakness, and pain. These sensations can impact any part of your body, but they’re most common in your feet and hands.

Neuropathy, or peripheral neuropathy, can increase your risks of dangerous complications like foot ulcers, infections, and gangrene.

What causes peripheral neuropathy?

You can develop nerve damage for several reasons, but the most common cause is elevated blood sugar because of diabetes. Additional factors that can lead to neuropathy include:

• Infection or injury
• Autoimmune disorders
• Chronic kidney or liver disease
• Certain medications
• Alcoholism

Some cancers and their treatments, like chemotherapy, can also cause nerve damage.

What are the symptoms of neuropathy?

Neuropathy symptoms can differ from person to person, but often include:

• Numbness, tingling, or weakness
• Hypersensitivity
• Reduced sensitivity to temperature
• Diminished coordination

Nerve damage can also cause pain that is burning, stabbing, or shooting, as well as the sensation of pins and needles. If you have neuropathy, your symptoms are usually worse at night.

How do you treat peripheral neuropathy?

If you have neuropathy, Dr. Oppong work closely with you to identify its underlying cause. If your nerve damage is due to diabetes, it’s important to manage your blood sugar to reduce your risk of further damage.

Based on your symptoms, Dr.  Oppong might recommend a variety of neuropathy treatments that range from medication management and topical creams to aqua therapy and spinal cord stimulation. A spinal cord stimulator is a small implantable device that uses mild electrical currents to disrupt pain signals firing from your nerves.

For more information on pain management solutions for peripheral neuropathy, call Innovative Pain Solutions Centers or schedule an appointment online today.