Peripheral neuropathy is a widespread condition affecting almost 30% of Americans. Although no one is safe from peripheral neuropathy, people aged 65 and older are more vulnerable. If you seek efficient Bakersfield peripheral neuropathy services, contact Diabetic Foot and Wound Center. Under the leadership of Ruben Nieto, DPM, the team specializes in diagnosing and treating peripheral neuropathy and other conditions to improve your life. Schedule your appointment for same-day and next-day appointments.
What is Peripheral Neuropathy?
Peripheral neuropathy is a medical condition that appears when your peripheral nerves are permanently damaged. Peripheral nerves are messengers linking your brain and spinal cord to your other body parts. They also relay sensory signals back to your nervous system.
Peripheral neuropathy damages the nerves throughout your body, including your lower extremities. As a result, you develop pain resistance, and you may feel nothing even when you have a wound. If neglected, the injury progresses and may get infected. Although there is no cure for peripheral neuropathy, early diagnosis and treatment can alleviate uncomfortable symptoms, preventing the condition from worsening.
Symptoms of Peripheral Neuropathy
Peripheral neuropathy symptoms differ depending on the affected type of nerves. Your body has numerous types of nerves like motor nerves, sensory nerves, and autonomic nerves.
Evident symptoms of peripheral neuropathy include:
- Lack of coordination
- Falling
- Tingling, numbness, or prickly sensations in the feet and hands
- Muscle weakness
- Extreme sensitivity to touch
- Sharp burning or throbbing pain
If you suffer from peripheral neuropathy, you may experience pain when conducting normal harmless activities such as pulling a blanket to cover yourself or putting weight on your feet.
What Causes Peripheral Neuropathy?
Peripheral neuropathy may arise from a variety of causes. Such include:
- Infections
- Autoimmune diseases
- Alcoholism
- Diabetes
- Exposure to toxins
- Certain medications
- Bone marrow disorders
- Tumors
Other exposing conditions include chronic diseases such as liver disease, kidney disease, and hypothyroidism.
Diagnosing Peripheral Neuropathy
Your Diabetic Foot and Wound Center expert carries out an in-depth physical and neurological examination for an accurate diagnosis. They also review your medical history, drinking habits, lifestyle, and family history of neurological conditions. Additionally, your provider may order blood tests to rule out vitamin deficiencies or diabetes, nerve function tests, or imaging tests such as an MRI or CT scan.
Are There Available Treatments for Peripheral Neuropathy?
Your team of specialists at Diabetic Foot and Wound Center adopt integrative treatments to handle peripheral neuropathy. Their ultimate goal is to minimize the pain, improving your quality of life.
Your provider may also recommend prescription medications depending on your symptom’s severity. Such drugs include anti-seizure medicines or pain relievers, topical treatments like lidocaine or antidepressants.
Several therapies are ideal for treating peripheral neuropathy. They include physical therapy, transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS), plasma exchange, and intravenous immune globulin. In some instances, surgery may be crucial.
Bottom Line
If you experience peripheral neuropathy symptoms, a competent provider’s timely intervention is all you need to reclaim your life. Contact the providers at Diabetic Foot and Wound Center for precise diagnosis and treatment before your condition worsens. Call the offices soon or book your online appointment today.
