Facts & Information
Conditions that result when peripheral nerves are damaged or diseased. Damage to these nerves interrupts communication between the Brain and other parts of the body and impair muscle movement, prevent normal sensation in the arms and legs and cause pain.
Types of peripheral Neuropathy
Neuropathies are classified according to the problems they cause:
Mononeuropathy: Damage to a single peripheral nerve. Examples include: Carpal tunnel syndrome, or overuse strain injury, when the nerve that travel through the wrist is compressed, e.g. those who use computer keyboards for prolonged periods, assembly line workers or physical laborers.
Polyneuropathy: More common problem that occur when multiple peripheral nerves through the body malfunction at the same time. Causes: Alcohol abuse, poor nutrition, VIT B deficiency, Cancer, Kidney failure, Diabetic neuropathy. Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy is associated with Diabetes Mellitus and is a frequent complication caused by high blood sugar levels that can damage the nerves and lead to pain, especially in the legs and feet.
How & Why Diabetic Neuropathy Develops
Chronically high blood sugar levels damage nerves and most commonly affects the feet and legs. These damaged nerves cannot effectively carry messages between the brain and other parts of the body. There are four types of diabetic neuropathy: autonomic, peripheral, proximal, and focal. Nerve damage shows itself differently in each person – some people feel tingling and then later feel pain, while others lose the feeling in fingers and toes. These symptoms normally occur slowly over a period of time.
Symptoms
For peripheral neuropathy, patients will have symptoms on the lower half of their body – specifically legs, feet, and toes. Primary symptoms include:
• Numbness
• Tingling
• Burning sensation
• Pins and needles
• Prickling
• Cold
Diagnosis
Accurate diagnosis of the source of pain is imperative to successfully treating Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy. Orlando Pain & Spine Center can provide you with a diagnosis, which begins with:
• Thorough clinical evaluation
• Additional testing, such as EMG/NCS
• Treatments include: Medications, TENS, nerve blocks and Spinal cord stimulator.