If you struggle with numbness, tingling, or burning pain, it could be because of neuropathy. At Innovative Pain Specialists in Arlington Heights and Libertyville, Illinois, board-certified pain management specialists Paul Marsiglia, DO, Demetrios Louis, MD, and their skilled staff offer an array of pain-management solutions for neuropathy to maximize your quality of life. Call the office to learn more or book an appointment online today.
Peripheral neuropathy is a neurological condition causing nerve damage and associated pain, often in your hands and feet, and can progress over time. These damaged nerves transmit pain signals from your hands or feet to your spinal cord and ultimately to your brain.
The peripheral nerves also send sensory information to the central nervous system.
Common symptoms you may notice with peripheral neuropathy include:
Complications may occur with untreated neuropathy, including paralysis, frequent falls, infections, open wounds, or other skin injuries.
Anyone can experience neuropathy, but some factors increase your risk. Examples include:
To decrease your risk of neuropathy, adopt healthy habits. Eat nutritious foods, get regular exercise, maintain a healthy weight, properly control diabetes if you have it, don’t smoke, and avoid excessive alcohol consumption.
To determine if you have peripheral neuropathy or other forms of neuropathy, your pain specialist discusses your symptoms, reviews your medical history, checks your vital signs, and completes a physical exam that includes a neurological evaluation.
Your provider might recommend you undergo blood tests, X-rays, CT scans, MRIs, or other imaging procedures, as well as nerve function tests and nerve or skin biopsies to make a final diagnosis and develop a treatment plan.
Your personalized treatment for neuropathy might include:
You may need more than one type of neuropathy treatment to ensure the best possible results. Your pain specialist can make changes to your treatment plan if necessary. Your provider at Innovative Pain Specialists focuses on avoiding opioids and other medications as much as possible in favor of noninvasive, holistic treatments.
If you have neuropathy and want symptom relief, call the nearest Innovative Pain Specialists office or schedule an appointment online today.