Neuropathy

What is neuropathy?

Neuropathy is a term for conditions affecting your nerves. The most common form is peripheral neuropathy, which may develop as a result of:

• Diabetes
• Autoimmune disorders
• Hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid)
• Taking medications like chemotherapy drugs
• Trauma
• Cancerous and benign growths
• Vitamin B deficiencies
• Kidney and liver diseases
• Connective tissue disorders
• Bone marrow diseases

Peripheral neuropathy can also set in during or after having some infectious diseases, including shingles, Lyme disease, hepatitis C, HIV, and Epstein-Barr (mono). In some cases, neuropathy is idiopathic, meaning there's no identifiable cause.

What symptoms does neuropathy cause?

As neuropathy affects your nerves, the symptoms relate to whatever function the affected nerves perform. There are three types of nerves:

Sensory nerves

Sensory nerves send signals to your brain when they detect pain, heat, cold, and other sensations.

Motor nerves

Motor nerves control muscle activity.

Autonomic nerves

Autonomic nerves control functions that you don't consciously manage, like digestion.

Neuropathy frequently involves sensory nerves but can also affect motor and autonomic nerves. Consequently, your symptoms could include one or a combination of burning, prickling, tingling, or "pins-and-needles" sensations, numbness, muscle weakness, temperature sensitivity, excessive sweating, and dizziness or light-headedness.

You could have physical coordination problems, digestive issues, or urinary issues, but pain is often the primary neuropathy symptom. You might also develop hypersensitivity or complications like allodynia that causes extreme sensitivity to the lightest touch.

How is neuropathy treated?

The Summit Primary Care team creates a personalized treatment plan for you after conducting a comprehensive physical examination and reviewing your medical history.

Possible treatments that might be in your plan include:

• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
• Capsaicin cream
• Lidocaine patches
• Anti Seizure medications
• Tricyclic antidepressants
• Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS)
• Physical therapy

The treatments that are right for you depend on the cause of your neuropathy and the symptoms you're experiencing.

What else can I do to relieve my neuropathy symptoms?

There are several ways you can help relieve your neuropathy symptoms. If you have an underlying condition responsible for your neuropathy, it's vital to treat and manage the problem effectively. For example, if you have diabetic peripheral neuropathy, managing your diabetes is an essential first step.   

Good dietary habits, regular exercise, and weight loss when needed are also helpful. You should avoid anything that could make the neuropathy worse, like excessive alcohol consumption, smoking, and stress.

When neuropathy is making life difficult, the caring team at Summit Primary Care offers relief. Call their office or book an appointment online today.