What are the causes of neuropathy?
Neuropathy is an umbrella term for various types of conditions that lead to nerve damage. Below are descriptions of some of the causes of the most common types of neuropathy.
Diabetic neuropathy
Diabetic neuropathy is the nerve damage you develop because of high blood sugar levels. This type of neuropathy most commonly affects the nerves in your legs and feet.
Peripheral neuropathy
Peripheral neuropathy affects the nerves in your arms, hands, legs, and feet. While peripheral neuropathy doesn’t have one particular cause, an autoimmune disease, diabetes, certain medications, and even infections or injuries can all increase your risk of developing peripheral neuropathy.
Postherpetic neuralgia
Postherpetic neuralgia affects nerve fibers in your skin. Complications from shingles, which occurs because of a previous case of chickenpox, cause this painful condition.
Neuropathic pain
Neuropathic pain is widespread shooting and burning nerve pain that may come and go. While neuropathic pain doesn’t have an obvious cause, likely contributors include shingles, thyroid problems, chemotherapy, and diabetes.
Trigeminal neuralgia
Your trigeminal nerve transports sensations from your face to your brain. With trigeminal neuralgia, even the slightest touch to your face causes agonizing pain. Your risk of developing trigeminal neuralgia goes up because of older age, multiple sclerosis, or damage to the myelin sheath layer that protect nerves.
Does neuropathy cause pain?
In many cases, yes, although the pain and discomfort you have with neuropathy depend on which nerves are affected and the severity of nerve damage you have. The pain and neuropathy-related symptoms you experience can lead to:
- Burning and stabbing sensations
- Sensitivity to touch or pressure
- Jabbing or throbbing sensations
- Muscle weakness and lack of coordination
Without proper treatment, your neuropathy is only going to progress. The dedicated pain specialists at Regency Pain & Therapy Institute can help you, no matter how minor or how severe your neuropathy pain may be.
How is neuropathy treated?
Treating neuropathy often requires combining different therapies to resolve acute pain and prevent future nerve flare-ups, while simultaneously slowing the progression of the condition. Your neuropathy treatment plan from Regency Pain & Therapy Institute can include:
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
- Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS)
- Prescription painkiller medications
- Anti-seizure medications
- Antidepressant medications
- Regenerative medicine
- Topical numbing creams
- Lidocaine patches
- Physical therapy
Rest assured, your dedicated pain management specialist at Regency Pain & Therapy Institute can help you get through neuropathy pain, starting with your first treatment.
Schedule your neuropathy evaluation at Regency Pain & Therapy Institute today. Call any location directly to book an appointment today.
