Peripheral Neuropathy

Peripheral neuropathy usually results from injury to the nerve axons, the parts responsible for transmitting electrical signals. For example, damage to sensory neuron axons can impair your ability to feel touch or temperature. Common symptoms include pain, numbness, and tingling, especially in the hands and feet. Some frequent causes include:

• Diabetes (the leading cause)
• Traumatic injuries
• Infections
• Metabolic disorders
• Exposure to toxins

Types of Neuropathy in Flower Mound, TX

• Sensorimotor polyneuropathy: affects both sensory and motor nerves
• Autonomic neuropathy: impacts nerves controlling involuntary functions like heartbeat and sweating

Many patients tell us peripheral neuropathy causes sensations such as tingling, burning, or prickling. The duration of these symptoms can vary, but often they improve with proper care.

Managing the underlying cause improves your chances of relief. Factors like poor nutrition, diseases, trauma, and nerve pressure often contribute. Sometimes, however, the cause remains unknown—this is called idiopathic neuropathy.

According to the Neuropathy Association, over 20 million Americans suffer from neuropathy. This number surpasses those affected by Alzheimer’s, Epilepsy, Rheumatoid Arthritis, HIV, Parkinson’s, and Multiple Sclerosis combined. Of these, 15-18 million cases are linked to diabetes.

Neuropathy types can be further classified based on the number of nerves involved:

• Mononeuropathy: one nerve affected; examples include carpal tunnel syndrome and Bell’s palsy
• Multiple mononeuropathy: two or more individual nerves affected
• Polyneuropathy: many peripheral nerves affected; often seen in diabetes

Other classifications include:

• Functional: motor, sensory, autonomic, or mixed
• Onset speed: from hours to years

Peripheral neuropathy most commonly affects extremities such as arms, wrists, hands, legs, ankles, and feet.

Causes of Neuropathy

Neuropathy doesn’t have a single cause. About 40% of cases are idiopathic, meaning no known cause is found. Diabetes accounts for nearly 35%, with almost 70% of diabetics developing neuropathy. Other acquired causes include:

• Alcoholism
• Poor nutrition or vitamin deficiencies
• Trauma or nerve pressure
• Repetitive motions over time
• Autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis and lupus
• Exposure to toxins and heavy metals
• Certain medications and cancer treatments
• Hereditary neuropathies
• Tumors
• Other diseases including HIV/AIDS, Lyme disease, liver, kidney, and thyroid disorders

Who Can Develop Neuropathy?

Neuropathy can affect people of all ages in Flower Mound, TX, though it’s more commonly seen in men, Caucasians, and those with repetitive motion jobs. Risk factors include poor nutrition leading to Type II diabetes, autoimmune disorders, compromised immune systems (organ transplant recipients, HIV/AIDS, medication), alcoholism, vitamin deficiencies, and chronic illnesses affecting kidneys, liver, or thyroid.

Diagnosis of Neuropathy

Diagnosing neuropathy can be challenging since it’s often a symptom of another illness. The evaluation process generally involves:

• Detailed medical history
• Physical and neurological exams
• Testing tendon reflexes, muscle strength, tone, and sensory response
• Postural and coordination assessments
• Blood tests including vitamin B-12 levels
• Urinalysis and thyroid function tests
• Nerve conduction studies

In some cases, a nerve biopsy might be necessary.

Neuropathy Treatment Options

Several treatments are available at Healistic Wellness Center in Flower Mound, TX designed to support nerve function and reduce symptoms. These include medications such as antidepressants, which can relieve neuropathic pain even in patients without depression, and anticonvulsants that block pain signals by calcium channel inhibition. Opioids are less commonly used due to addiction risks but may be prescribed in severe cases. Topical treatments like lidocaine or capsaicin creams can also help.

Alternative therapies some patients find helpful are:

• Cannabinoids
• Botox injections
• Ketamine treatments
• Dietary supplements
• Upper cervical chiropractic care
• Therapeutic massage
• Yoga and acupuncture

Neuromodulation therapies, involving implanted devices, may be considered for certain cases, including:

• Spinal cord stimulators
• Spinal pumps
• Motor cortex electrodes
• Deep brain stimulation

Proper nutrition and an exercise program are critical, especially for people with diabetes. Quitting smoking and avoiding prolonged pressure on nerves by limiting time spent on knees or elbows can prevent worsening symptoms. Gentle massage of hands and feet at home often provides relief.

If you have questions, feel free to call the caring team at Healistic Wellness Center in Flower Mound, TX to learn how we can help.