Neuropathy

Do you have bothersome numbness, tingling, or burning pain? If so, help is available at Advanced Pain Institute in Arcadia, Encino, and Pasadena, California. Interventional pain specialist Isaac Michael MineHart, MD, offers an array of pain-relieving treatments for neuropathy to ease discomfort and reduce the risk of worsening problems. Call the office to learn more about your options, or schedule an appointment online today.

What is neuropathy?

Neuropathy is a common problem, especially among people with diabetes, that often causes burning, numbness, or tingling pain. It occurs due to nerve damage, leading to various unpleasant symptoms and a higher risk of complications when left untreated. 

What is diabetic neuropathy?

Diabetic neuropathy affects people with diabetes and can cause mild, moderate, or severe and disabling symptoms – often in your legs or feet. It may affect up to 50% of people with diabetes, a condition that impairs your body’s ability to control blood sugar properly.

What are the symptoms of neuropathy and neuralgia?

The common symptoms of neuropathy include:

• Leg, foot, and hand pain
• Numbness
• Tingling 
• Burning neuropathy or pain
• Digestive system issues
• Heart and blood vessel disorders
• Urinary tract problems
• Muscle weakness and stiffness
• Touch sensitivity
• Ulcers
• Bone or joint damage
• Sexual dysfunction 
• Hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating)

Post-herpetic neuralgia is a condition that causes nerve damage (and pain associated with it) after having shingles.

What are the risk factors for neuropathy and neuralgia?

The common risk factors for developing neuropathy include:

• Uncontrolled diabetes
• High blood sugar
• Carrying excess body weight
• Kidney disease
• Liver disease
• Connective tissue diseases
• Thyroid disorders 
• Autoimmune diseases
• Tumors
• Infections
• Excessive alcohol consumption
• Toxin exposure
• Smoking
• Vitamin deficiencies
• Nerve injuries
• Some medications
• Repetitive motions
• Family history of neuropathy 

Adopting healthy lifestyle habits, such as getting regular exercise, eating nutritious foods, and maintaining a healthy body weight, is a good way to reduce your risk of diabetes and neuropathy. 

How does my provider diagnose neuropathy?

To find out if you have neuropathy, Dr. MineHart discusses your medical history and symptoms. He checks your vital signs, completes a physical exam, and uses nerve-function testing and blood tests to make a final diagnosis. He tailors a treatment plan based on how severe your symptoms are.

How are neuropathy and neuralgia treated?

Treatment for neuropathy involves properly managing diabetes, if you have it, and relieving pain associated with your condition. Dr. MineHart may recommend you make diet and exercise changes, lose weight, take dietary supplements, and check your blood sugar regularly.

You might take prescription medications; try electrical nerve stimulation or spinal cord stimulation to reduce pain signals; or undergo plasma exchange, physical therapy, or surgery. Dr. MineHart follows up with you regularly to keep your symptoms at bay and can change your treatment plan whenever necessary.

To get screened or treated for neuropathy, call the Advanced Pain Institute office or schedule an appointment online today.