Neuropathy Specialist

What is neuropathy?

Neuropathy is a medical condition resulting from nerve damage. It commonly shows up in nerves outside your spinal cord and brain. It can be caused by diabetes and other diseases and injuries. Treatment can reduce crippling symptoms and improve your quality of life.

What are the symptoms of neuropathy?

The common symptoms associated with neuropathy include:

• Tingling
• Prickling
• Numbness
• Burning discomfort
• Jabbing or throbbing pain
• Touch sensitivity
• Muscle weakness
• Falling
• Lack of coordination
• Feeling as though you’re wearing socks or gloves when you’re not

These symptoms can show up in your hands, feet, legs, or arms. See the Houston Pain Center experts at the first sign of a problem.

What are the risk factors for neuropathy?

Causes and risk factors associated with neuropathy include:

• Diabetes
• Infections
• Genetic disorders
• Tumors
• Bone marrow problems
• Kidney disease
• Liver disease
• Thyroid disorders
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Autoimmune diseases
• Toxin exposure
• Alcoholism
• Some medications
• Pinched nerves
• Vitamin deficiencies
• Family history of neuropathy
• Repetitive motions

The best way to reduce your chance of developing neuropathy is to adopt healthy habits, like maintaining an ideal weight, eating nutritious foods, and getting regular exercise. If you’re overweight or obese, lose weight. Properly manage your blood sugar if you have diabetes.

How does my provider diagnose neuropathy?

Your provider asks about your lifestyle, symptoms, and medical history to find out if you have neuropathy. They check your vital signs and complete a physical exam, including a neurological exam. Your specialist could order blood tests, imaging procedures, nerve function tests, or nerve biopsies to diagnose your condition and treat it effectively.

How is neuropathy treated?

To reduce neuropathy pain, the North Houston Pain Center team will recommend:

Lifestyle changes

Maintaining exceptional health habits can reduce neuropathy pain and your risk of further problems. Eat nutritious foods, take care of your feet if you have diabetes, don’t smoke, and exercise regularly. Avoid excessive alcohol and keep blood sugar levels within the normal range.

Nerve stimulation

Nerve stimulation uses electrodes to deliver electrical currents to targeted tissues and reduce neuropathy pain.

Physical therapy

Physical therapy helps improve musculoskeletal functioning and relieve pain caused by neuropathy.

Surgery

If a pinched nerve causes your neuropathy pain, the North Houston Pain Center team offers surgery to reduce nerve pressure.

Don’t live with neuropathy pain when simple treatments can relieve your discomfort. Call the North Houston Pain Center office today to schedule an appointment or book one online.