What Is Peripheral Neuropathy?

Peripheral neuropathy describes a condition where the nerves farthest away from our heart and spine (i.e. in our hands and feet) are damaged. The damage can be caused from many reasons. The leading cause of peripheral neuropathy in America today, approximately 30% of all cases, is diabetes complications. Other causes may include nerves damage in the back, genetic disorders, and metabolic disorders.

 

What are the signs and symptoms?

Symptoms may range from mild to severe depending on the stage of peripheral neuropathy. Here is a list of the most common complaints:

• Numbness
• Burning pain
• Sharp, shooting sensation in feet or legs
• Difficulty sleeping due to pain in legs and feet
• Tingling pain or crawling sensation
• Pain and instability with walking
• Cold feet
• Heaviness in feet
• Pins and needles feeling in hands or feet

Pain may occur inconsistently in the earlier stages and progress to a constant discomfort in later stages.  A majority of patients complain of worse pain at night. If no treatment is initiated, symptoms and further nerve damage, DO PROGRESS. Our nerves send signals to our brain when something is wrong. If they are not functioning properly, sores may occur without you even being aware. Sores can lead to infection and even amputation! Don't let peripheral neuropathy affect your life anymore, read how we can help you to stop the viscous cycle.

 

How Do I Know If I Really Have Peripheral Neuropathy?

Peripheral neuropathy is first suspected during your visit with your doctor. Based on your complaints, symptoms, and physical exam, your doctor can easily diagnose your condition. Further testing is rendered to establish the extent of nerve damage you may have. These tests include: Electromyopgaphy-EMG (muscle testing), Nerve Conduction Velocity testing-NCV (nerve testing of larger nerves), and Epidermal Nerve Fiber Density-ENFD (skin biopsy to look at smaller nerves). Your doctor will discuss which test is right for you.

 

How can DM Foot & Ankle Associates  help you to "feel" better?

Before now, the  treatment options for most patients were only medications, medications and more medications. Oral medications only mask the problems associated with diabetic or peripheral neuropathy. We offer NO surgery and NO addictive medications.  Our new peripheral neuropathy treatment is a combination therapy  with breakthrough results. A recent study showed an 87%  reduction in painful symptoms with our treatment program. Patients have not only stopped the progression of their disease, treatment has helped them to reverse nerve damage in some cases.  A majority of our patients say the  effects of the program can be felt on the very first visit!  Don't settle for living a live with constant pain anymore. Call our office to schedule an appointment and get the relief you are looking for. Treatment is covered by Medicare and most major insurances. Need more convincing?  View our patient testimonials.