Peripheral Neuropathy Treatment at CardioVascular Health Clinic

Peripheral neuropathy is a condition that affects the peripheral nervous system, leading to dysfunction and damage of the nerves when left untreated. 

At CardioVascular Health Clinic, we specialize in diagnosing and treating several types of peripheral neuropathy to improve patients' quality of life. Our expert team is experienced in managing the different forms of peripheral neuropathy. 

Through our comprehensive approach, we offer personalized treatment plans and therapies tailored to each patient's specific needs, aiming to treat neuropathy pain and improve quality of life.

Continue reading to learn more.

What is Peripheral Neuropathy?

Peripheral neuropathy, more commonly known as “neuropathy,” is a disorder of the peripheral nerves. 

The peripheral nervous system is the network of nerves outside the brain and spinal cord. Peripheral nerves manage three functions: sensory, autonomic, and motor functions.

Peripheral nerves are responsible for recognizing touch, temperature, and pain. They are also responsible for muscular strength and voluntary and involuntary movement.

Symptoms start with pain or loss of feeling in the fingers and toes. As the condition progresses, the legs and arms might become less sensitive to sensation, walking or maintaining balance difficult. 

Specific stages are not typically categorized like some other medical conditions. Instead, the progression and severity of neuropathy can vary widely depending on the underlying cause and individual factors. 

It is most common to describe neuropathy in terms of its severity or impact on nerve function as mild, moderate, severe, or advanced.

Types of Peripheral Neuropathy

​​Peripheral neuropathy encompasses a range of conditions characterized by damage or dysfunction of the peripheral nerves. There are more than 100 types of peripheral neuropathy.

Some of the most common types of peripheral neuropathy include:

• Diabetic Neuropathy: This type of neuropathy occurs as a complication of type 1 or 2 diabetes. It typically affects the nerves in the feet and legs, leading to numbness, tingling, pain, and weakness.
• Chemotherapy-Induced Neuropathy: Certain chemotherapeutic drugs used to treat cancer can cause damage to the peripheral nerves. Symptoms may include numbness, tingling, burning pain, and difficulty with coordination.
• Hereditary Neuropathy: Also known as Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease (CMT), hereditary neuropathy refers to a group of inherited disorders that affect the peripheral nerves. CMT can cause muscle weakness, sensory loss, and foot deformities.
• Guillain-Barré Syndrome: This is an autoimmune condition where the immune system mistakenly attacks the peripheral nerves, leading to inflammation and nerve damage. It often starts with weakness and tingling in the legs and can progress to muscle weakness or paralysis.
• Alcoholic Neuropathy: Chronic alcohol abuse can damage the peripheral nerves. Symptoms may include pain, numbness, tingling, and muscle weakness. It is also important to note that certain infections, such as Lyme disease, HIV/AIDS, and shingles, can cause this condition. In rare instances, the cause or type of neuropathy is unknown and more formally known as Idiopathic peripheral neuropathy.

Causes of Peripheral Neuropathy 

The cause of peripheral neuropathy is not always known, though the condition is frequently a symptom of other health issues. There is also a genetic component -- if a parent has a history of neuropathy, the children are at greater risk.

Peripheral neuropathy is most commonly caused by diabetes; over time, high blood sugar weakens nerves. 

Several other conditions can also cause this health problem, including:

• Kidney Disease. Unaddressed kidney disease can cause a buildup of toxins in the blood, leading to nerve damage. 
• Nutrient Deficiency. Lack of essential dietary nutrients like vitamin B-12 can cause nerve damage. 
• Alcohol Use Disorder. Long-term heavy alcohol consumption can cause nerve damage and exacerbate nutrient deficiency, accelerating neuropathy.
• Traumatic Injury. Physical injury to the nerves can lead to nerve damage.

Peripheral Neuropathy Symptoms

Peripheral neuropathy can manifest gradually. Some of the most common symptoms include:

• Diminished sensation in the fingers and toes
• Shooting pain in the limbs
• Tingling in the feet
• Loss of balance or coordination

What are the warning signs of neuropathy?

Neuropathy can manifest with various symptoms, and the specific warning signs can vary depending on the type and location of the nerve damage. 

The most common warning signs of neuropathy include:

• Numbness or Tingling
• Sensitivity changes can include heightened sensitivity to touch, temperature, or pain (hypersensitivity), decreased sensitivity (hyposensitivity), or loss of sensation.
• Pain, including sharp, shooting, burning, or stabbing sensations.
• Lack of Coordination
• Foot Problems: Peripheral neuropathy, particularly in individuals with diabetes, can lead to foot complications like foot ulcers, infections, deformities, or a loss of sensation that makes it difficult to detect injuries or pressure points.
• Muscle Cramps or Twitching

Peripheral Neuropathy Diagnosis

Your risk of peripheral neuropathy is first assessed by obtaining the following information: 

• Medical history
• Family medical history
• Symptoms

Additionally, your physician will conduct a physical examination to check your ability to sense touch, pain, and temperature. If additional screenings are necessary, your physician will order a series of tests that check the function of your nerves. These tests might include the following screenings:

• Electromyography and Nerve Conduction Studies: This two-part test assesses peripheral nerve health. The test involves administering electric shocks to the skin directly over the suspected damaged nerve. The technician then measures the response to determine if the nerves are damaged and the nature of the damage.
• Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI). MRI tests allow the physician to visualize the internal structure and identify abnormalities. 
• Computerized Tomography (CT). CT scans can detect compressed nerves, abnormal growths, herniated disks, and other anomalies that can interfere with nerve function.

 You will also undergo blood screening to check for diabetes, vitamin deficiency, or infections that can cause peripheral neuropathy.

Stage 1: Mild or Subclinical Neuropathy 

In the early stage, individuals may not exhibit noticeable symptoms or be mild and intermittent. Nerve damage may be present, but it doesn't significantly impact nerve function or quality of life. 

Stage 2: Moderate Neuropathy 

Symptoms become more apparent in this stage, including persistent tingling, numbness, or mild pain. Sensory changes, such as muscle weakness or reduced reflexes, may also be present. Symptoms often progress and may start affecting daily activities.

Stage 3: Severe Neuropathy 

At this stage, neuropathy symptoms become more pronounced and debilitating. Individuals may experience intense and constant pain, significant loss of sensation, and increased muscle weakness. Motor symptoms, such as difficulties with coordination and balance, often occur. Activities of daily living can be severely affected, impacting the overall quality of life.

Stage 4: Advanced or End-Stage Neuropathy 

In the advanced stage, neuropathy reaches its most severe form. Nerve damage is extensive, resulting in significant and persistent symptoms. There may be profound sensory loss, muscle weakness or paralysis, chronic pain, and functional impairment. Individuals may require assistance with mobility and complications such as foot ulcers or infections.

Effective Peripheral Neuropathy Treatment in Oklahoma City

Can Neuropathy Be Cured?

While a complete cure for peripheral neuropathy is typically not possible, there are numerous measures you can take to prevent its progression. 

The best course of action to slow neuropathy progression and minimize its symptoms is by treating the underlying cause. 

By managing the root cause and implementing symptom management strategies, you can effectively mitigate reaching higher stages of the condition.

Please contact us today to learn more about peripheral neuropathy treatment options and other effective services we offer or to schedule a consultation with a neuropathy doctor.