Neuropathy Treatment


Neuropathy is nerve damage that causes numbness, tingling, and pain in the hands and feet. Diabetes, alcoholism, vitamin deficiencies, medications, toxins, kidney failure, trauma, and varicose veins can each cause neuropathy. Family history and advanced age are also predisposing factors for developing neuropathy.

Neuropathy Symptoms

  • Burning
  • Numbness and tingling (mainly in the hands and feet but can occur in the arms and legs)
  • Pain
  • Cramping
  • Sensitivity to touch and temperature
  • Muscle weakness and atrophy
  • Slowed reflexes and reaction time
A doctor is examining the arm of a patient for Neuropathy Diagnosis

Neuropathy Diagnosis

Your medical provider will need to obtain a thorough history and physical at your initial visit. Then, depending on the information discussed at your appointment, your provider may use one or more of the following tests to accurately diagnose the damage's location.

  • Electromyography (EMG): Nerve damage is measured by the electrical activity of the muscles.
  • Nerve Conduction Study (NCS): Nerve damage is detected by the speed of electrical signals moving through specific nerves.
  • Nerve Biopsy: A small sample of nerve tissue is examined under a microscope for signs of damage.
  • Blood Tests: A complete blood count, thyroid function tests, and vitamin B12 levels can help to rule out other diseases that can cause similar symptoms.
  • Skin Biopsy: A small sample of skin is examined under a microscope for signs of damage to the nerve endings.
  • Neuropathy Testing: A variety of tests including vibration and thermal sensation are performed to assess the function of the nerves.
  • Testing of venous & arterial circulation:  Poor circulation can cause symptoms of neuropathy. Treatment of these problems can improve symptoms of neuropathy.

Neuropathy Treatments

Diagnosing Neuropathy
  • Pain Relievers: Medications such as ibuprofen, acetaminophen, and naproxen can help relieve the pain associated with neuropathy. Tricyclic antidepressants such as amitriptyline and nortriptyline have been found to reduce pain in some forms of neuropathy. Anticonvulsant medications such as gabapentin and pregabalin can help reduce nerve pain.
  • Topical Creams & Ointments: Capsaicin cream, Lidocaine patches, and other topical agents can be applied to the skin to provide pain relief.
  • Steroid Injections: Steroids can reduce inflammation and provide pain relief in some cases.
  • Physical Therapy: Stretching, massage, and other physical therapy techniques can help reduce pain and improve function.
  • Vitamin Supplementation: B vitamins and other vitamins may be prescribed to help improve nerve health.
  • Venous Ablation:  Studies have shown that neuropathy symptoms usually improve with diagnosis and treatment of venous disease.
  • Peripheral Nerve Stimulation (PNS): A highly effective way to combat chronic pain. It involves placing a small electrical device (a wire-like electrode) next to one of the peripheral nerves located beyond the brain or spinal cord, which then delivers rapid electrical pulses that are felt as mild tingles (so-called paresthesias).
  • Spinal Cord Stimulator Implantation (SCS): A also a great tool for managing pain. This device is surgically placed under the skin and sends a mild electric current to the spinal cord, masking the pain signal and reducing the pain felt. The electrical pulses modify the pain signal to prevent it from reaching the brain.

Can venous disease cause peripheral neuropathy?

Yes, venous disease can cause peripheral neuropathy. Venous disease can lead to reduced circulation in the legs, which can cause nerve damage and peripheral neuropathy. Peripheral neuropathy can cause pain, numbness, and tingling in the extremities.  Sensory neuropathy is now considered a symptom of venous insufficiency by some sources (1999 J Vasc Surg).  The connection between neuropathy and venous disease is thought to be related to ischemia due to venous microangiopathy and increased endoneurial pressure.  A study showed that 65% of patients with neuropathy and leg swelling or skin discoloration experienced improvement or resolution of neuropathy symptoms after treating the venous disease.

Choose Ortho Plus: Oklahoma's Choice for Peripheral Neuropathy Treatment

The causes of neuropathy are multifactorial, and treating the symptoms isn’t always the best solution for long-term results. At Ortho Plus, we provide comprehensive, personalized neuropathy treatment that addresses as many of the variables contributing to your neuropathy as possible so you can feel as good as possible. From medications, steroid injections, and topical creams to specialized treatment like peripheral nerve stimulation and spinal cord stimulator implantation, as well as venous ablation from our own Dr. Jason Jackson, Ortho Plus offers the range and variety of care options necessary to produce the best results.

At Ortho Plus, you can receive advanced diagnostics and treatment for your neuropathy in a warm, compassionate setting. Instead of long wait times, cold surgical rooms, and billing headaches, Ortho Plus provides direct access to our providers, easy payment and insurance processes, and convenient locations. If you are suffering from pain related to nerve damage, schedule an appointment and come see why Ortho Plus is Oklahoma’s choice for neuropathy treatment.

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