Peripheral neuropathy pain is the result of damaged or dysfunctional peripheral nerves that send incorrect or incomplete signals to other pain centers and includes a change in the nerve function and surrounding tissues or nerves.
Nerve injuries affecting one nerve is called mono neuropathy, like carpal tunnel syndrome. When many peripheral nerves throughout the body simultaneously malfunction the condition is called polyneuropathy. There are several types of polyneuropathy: Each of these presents differently and has a different cause.
Symptoms of Peripheral Neuropathic Pain can be any of the following:
- Loss of strength in arms or legs
- Feeling odd sensation – heat, cold, tingling, burning
- Lack of coordination and falling
- Sharp or burning pain
- Extreme sensitivity to touch
- Numbness and/ or tingling in hands or feet
Nerve dysfunction or malfunction can be caused by many factors or combination of factors, such as:
- Constant pain in one side of the buttock or leg
- Pain that is worse when sitting
- Leg pain that is often described as burning, tingling, or numbness
- Weakness, numbness, or difficulty moving the leg or foot
- A sharp pain that may make it difficult to stand or walk)
Radicular pain usually goes away on its own. If you are experiencing sciatica that is severe and impacting your quality of life, or if you have weakness or numbness that affects your leg or foot, you should seek treatment for radicular pain.
There are many options available such as:
- Alcoholism
- Preexisting chronic disorders such as diabetes or autoimmune diseases
- Bacterial infection, such as diphtheria
- Toxins that are found in some commercial insecticides
- Cancer that damage the nerves
- Poor nutrition/ vitamin deficiencies
- Nerve trauma
- Certain antibiotics, chemotherapy drugs, and sedatives
Your physician will diagnose Peripheral Neuropathic Pain through:
- Evaluating your medical history
- Physical evaluation
- A nerve study
- Imaging tests such as CT or MRI scans
Treatment usually begins with correcting the underlying condition that is causing the neuropathic pain. The goal is to reverse the damage to the nerve that is causing the pain. If symptoms persist, physical therapy and medications may help to directly treat the nerve dysfunction.
Treatments may also include:
- Surgery, if necessary to reduce pressure on the nerves (similar to carpal tunnel release)
- Prescription medications
- Physical therapy
- Pain relievers
- Topical pain creams
- Spinal Cord Stimulation
If you or a loved one is suffering from Peripheral neuropathic pain, the physicians at Cedar Hill Pain and Rehab can help determine the cause and find a treatment plan that works for you and improves your quality of life.
To learn more about these therapy techniques and to find out if you’re a candidate, you can make an appointment with a physician at Cedar Hill Pain and Rehab by calling 972-291-9165 or click here.