Neuropathy

At least 20 million Americans have peripheral neuropathy, the most common type of nerve damage. At Apex Pain Specialists, board-certified pain management specialists Naveen Reddy, MD, and Maziar Massrour, MD, understand the debilitating effects of neuropathy. They offer an integrative approach that treats the root cause of neuropathy and stimulates nerve healing and pain relief. Call the Chandler, Arizona, office or use the online scheduler to book your appointment today. 

What is neuropathy?

Neuropathy is nerve damage and dysfunction. While there are many types of neuropathy, the term is usually used synonymously with peripheral neuropathy — nerve damage in the peripheral nervous system, encompassing all nerves except those in the brain and spinal cord. There are at least 100 types of peripheral neuropathy. 

What symptoms does neuropathy cause?

You can experience neuropathy symptoms nearly anywhere, but it most often affects the lower extremities (the feet). Neuropathy can cause numerous troubling issues, including: 

• Pain
• Numbness
• Tingling
• Burning
• Extreme sensitivity to touch

Unfortunately, these issues can lead to additional issues as well. For example, foot numbness leaves you vulnerable to stumbling and injuries.

What causes neuropathy?

Neuropathy can occur for many reasons, including: 

• Diabetes
• Auto accident injuries
• Lyme disease
• Shingles
• Lupus
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Sjögren's syndrome
• Hepatitis B and C
• Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease
• Tumors
• Kidney disease
• Liver disease
• Connective tissue disorders
• Hypothyroidism
• Toxin exposure
• Chemotherapy medications

There are many other cases of neuropathy as well. Up to 33% of patients have idiopathic neuropathy (no known cause).

How is neuropathy treated?

Just as there are many types and causes of neuropathy, there are a wide variety of treatment approaches. Managing underlying conditions is crucial, so you may need to adjust your blood sugar management plan or take other steps to manage a chronic illness that causes neuropathy. 

Apex Pain Specialists also offers physical therapy and a range of interventional pain management treatments to better manage your neuropathy. You may need help healing damaged nerves through treatments like platelet-rich plasma or restorative cellular injections. 

If you have chronic neuropathy pain, you could need a long-term solution, such as a spinal cord stimulator. In a minimally invasive procedure, your physician implants a small device at the origin of your nerve pain. The spinal cord stimulator masks pain signals and can reduce your pain by half or more. 

Some medications may help with nerve pain; however, narcotic medications are rarely the right choice to manage chronic neuropathy pain. Apex Pain Specialists can help you find the treatment that best suits your situation so you can live free from neuropathy symptoms. 

For help with neuropathy symptoms, call Apex Pain Specialists or click on the online appointment maker to set up your evaluation today.