What is neuropathy?
Neuropathy is nerve damage that can occur in your arms, legs, or other areas of your body. It might result from uncontrolled diabetes, injuries, infections, or toxin exposure. Neuropathy often causes numbness or tingling. Treatments, like those available at Racz Pain Centers, can reduce your symptoms and improve your quality of life.
What are the symptoms of neuropathy?
Typical neuropathy symptoms include:
- Tingling
- Prickling
- Burning
- Numbness
- Shooting or stabbing pain
- Touch sensitivity
- Muscle weakness
- Lack of coordination
- Feeling like you’re wearing gloves
- Heat intolerance
At the first sign of neuropathy, see Dr. Racz for an evaluation and treatment as needed.
What are the risk factors for neuropathy?
While neuropathy can happen to anybody, certain factors increase your risk of experiencing it. Examples include:
- Diabetes
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Other autoimmune diseases
- Tumors
- Genetics
- Family history of neuropathy
- Infections
- Bone marrow problems
- Some medications
- Alcoholism
- Nerve pressure or trauma
- Vitamin deficiencies
- Toxin exposure
- Kidney, liver, or thyroid disorders
Ways to lower your risk of developing neuropathy include properly controlling blood sugar if you have diabetes, eating healthy foods, and getting regular exercise. Not smoking or drinking excessive amounts of alcohol can also help.
How does my doctor diagnose neuropathy?
To determine if you have neuropathy and develop a treatment, Dr. Racz discusses your medical history and asks about symptoms you may have. He completes a physical exam, including a neurological exam, and may recommend blood tests, nerve function tests, nerve or skin biopsies, CT scans, or MRIs.
What are typical neuropathy treatment options?
Typical neuropathy treatments include:
Physical therapy
Physical therapy stretches and exercises can strengthen musculoskeletal tissues and reduce pain associated with neuropathy.
Radiofrequency ablation
Radiofrequency ablation uses radio wave energy to heat nerves and reduce pain signal transmission.
Spinal cord stimulator
An implantable spinal cord stimulator sends electrical impulses to your spinal cord to block pain signals and alleviate discomfort.
Vertiflex™ Superion
Vertiflex Superion procedures use an implantable device to achieve spinal decompression and reduce nerve pressure and pain.
Don’t live with numbness, tingling, or chronic pain associated with neuropathy when simple treatments at Racz Pain Centers can offer you relief. Schedule an appointment by phone or book online today to determine which pain management solution is right for you.
