Peripheral nerves run from the nervous system to the rest of the body. The nerves transmit messages from the brain to other parts of the body. Peripheral neuropathy occurs when there is peripheral nerve damage. The condition is common with diabetic patients causing pain and numbness, complicating diabetes even further.
Bakersfield peripheral neuropathy specialists at Diabetic Foot & Wound Center offer extensive diagnosis and treatment for peripheral neuropathy. Patients aged 65 and above have an increased risk of peripheral neuropathy compared to other patients. Contact the office today for a consultation.
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What is peripheral neuropathy?
Peripheral neuropathy is a health condition that results from severe damage to the peripheral nerves. The nerves are responsible for transmitting information from the brain to the rest of the body. Peripheral nerves also send sensory signals back to your central nervous system.
Peripheral neuropathy causes nerve damage all over the body. It stops you from feeling pain such that you might not realize you have a wound. It encourages the growth of the injury, increasing your risk of infection.
Though the condition has no cure, early diagnosis and treatment can help alleviate some symptoms and reduce the severity.
What are the symptoms of peripheral neuropathy?
The symptoms may be different depending on the type of nerves affected. The main types of nerves in the body include motor nerves, sensory nerves, and autonomic nerves.
Some of the symptoms you may experience when having peripheral neuropathy includes:
- Muscle weakness
- Falling
- Lack of coordination
- Numbness and tingling sensations in the hands and feet
- Extreme sensitivity to touch
- Sharp, throbbing pain
You may also feel pain after exerting your weight on the feet or when a blanket touches the skin.
What are the causes of peripheral neuropathy?
Peripheral neuropathy occurs for reasons, such as;
- Diabetes
- Alcoholism
- Autoimmune diseases
- Exposure to toxins
- Bone marrow disorders
- Tumors
- Infections
- Certain medications
Diagnosis
Your provider carries out a physical and neurological exam during your consultation at Diabetic Foot and Wound Center. The doctor also evaluates your medical history and asks about your family medical history in neurological conditions, your lifestyle, and your drinking habits.
You may also have blood tests to confirm your results and highlight vitamin deficiencies. Other tests include nerve function tests and imaging tests such as MRI and a CT scan.
Treatment for peripheral neuropathy
Usually, peripheral neuropathy treatment aims to reduce the symptoms’ impact and enhance life quality.
The team at Diabetic Foot and Wound Center uses integrative treatments to help manage and improve your condition. They develop customized treatment plans to address all your needs.
Your provider may recommend the following treatments to relieve some of your symptoms.
- Medications such as pain relievers and anti-seizure medications
- Topical treatments such as antidepressants and lidocaine
- Physical therapy
- Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation
- Plasma exchange
Surgery is only an option when in a difficult situation.
Consult a peripheral neuropathy specialist today.
Peripheral neuropathy is usually common to patients with diabetes and older than 65, risking their health. Early diagnosis and treatment can enhance treatment success, relieving symptoms and improving your health. Call Diabetic Foot and Wound Center today to book your consultation with the experts.