Do you experience numbness, pain, or tingling sensation in your feet, hands, or arms? If so, you may be having a condition known as neuropathy. Finding help is critical to managing your condition. Contact Balanced Pain Management specialists for neuropathy in Walnut Creek. Do not hesitate to schedule your appointment for precise diagnosis and treatment by compassionate industry leaders.
Table of Contents
What is Neuropathy?
Neuropathy is a painful condition that occurs when you have nerve damage or dysfunction. It causes various symptoms, including:
- Numbness and tingling
- Muscle weakness
- Electrical sensations
- Local and radiation pain
Neuropathy commonly originates from your hands or feet. It may affect your balance and ability to grasp or pick up tiny objects.
Your peripheral nervous system comprises your sensory, motor, and autonomic nerves. Depending on the affected nerve, you may lose your ability to sense texture or temperature. Other effects of neuropathy include changing your blood pressure, bladder control, and temperature regulation.
What Causes Neuropathy
Neuropathy commonly results from diabetes. Blood sugar levels that are continuously elevated destroy your nerves and blood vessels. Other causes of neuropathy include:
- Autoimmune diseases- These include lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, Guillain-Barre syndrome, vasculitis, and more.
- Diabetes- More than half the count of people living with diabetes develop a type of neuropathy.
- Tumors- Growths, whether malignant or benign cancers, can develop on the nerves.
- Bone marrow disorders- Might be in the form of abnormal protein in the blood (monoclonal gammopathies), myeloma, and amyloidosis.
- Medications- Various medications, especially the ones used in chemotherapy, can cause peripheral neuropathy.
- Trauma or nerve pressure- Traumas resulting from motor vehicle accidents and sports injuries can damage peripheral nerves. Nerve pressure can also occur due to using crutches or repeating a motion such as typing for long.
- Alcoholism
- Certain infections- Shingles, Lyme disease, hepatitis B and C, diphtheria, leprosy, and HIV can cause neuropathy.
Your chances of developing neuropathy are higher if you have had chemotherapy or have been exposed to other poisons and toxic substances. Plus, vitamin B deficiencies are essential for nerve health; hence can increase your vulnerability to neuropathy.
Neuropathy Diagnosis
Dr. DeLaney offers comprehensive examinations and testing for neuropathy diagnosis and its cause. She also reviews your medical history and conducts a physical evaluation that includes checking your reflexes, muscle strength, and tone. She also inspects your posture, balance, and coordination.
Treatment of Neuropathy
Dr. Delaney delivers customized treatment plans for neuropathy. She also focuses on reducing your symptoms and addresses the underlying cause if necessary. According to your needs and site of nerve damage, your treatment plan at Balanced Pain Management might include:
- Joint injections
- Physical therapy
- Laser therapy
- Cryotherapy
- Medication
- Peripheral nerve blocks
- Piriformis/sciatic nerve injections
- Ultrasound-guided platelet-rich plasma injections
- Epidural steroid injections
- Ultrasound-guided joint and tendon steroid injections
Additionally, Dr. Delaney can recommend dietary changes and nutritional supplements to support nerve health and function. If you have diabetes or any other condition causing your neuropathy, she might suggest treatments to manage your condition and regulate your overall wellness.
Conclusion
If you or a loved one suffers neuropathy symptoms, contact Balanced Pain Management experts. Call the offices to speak to a provider or schedule an online appointment to have the most of your treatment today.