What is the Best Treatment For Peripheral Neuropathy In Austin?

Very few health conditions are as wide-ranging as Peripheral Neuropathy, an umbrella term for a wide range of conditions that can cause everything from tingling in the hands and feet, to muscle weakness and digestive problems. And, while an assortment of treatment options exist—ranging from physical therapy and medication to surgery—it’s important to know your options before you opt for any one. 

Learn more about Peripheral Neuropathy below and find out how you can get the best treatment possible for Peripheral Neuropathy in Austin. 

‍

What is Peripheral Neuropathy?

The peripheral nervous system (or PNS) is a group of nerves that send signals from the brain and spinal cord to the rest of the body. It also receives sensory information—sight, sound, smell, taste, and touch—from your limbs and organs—and relays it back to your central nervous system, where it’s then processed and used to coordinate the activity of all the parts of the body. In this way, your peripheral nervous system can be thought of as your “central processing unit.” By connecting your central nervous system to your limbs and organs, it allows your body to adjust and respond to whatever happens, as it happens.

Peripheral Neuropathy is a general term that is used to describe any kind of disease that affects the peripheral nerves—nerves beyond the spinal cord and brain—that can impair sensation, movement, or organ or gland function. This can cause a wide range of issues—including weakness, numbness, and pain—as well as affect body functions like digestion, urination, and circulation.

‍

Symptoms of Peripheral Neuropathy

People with Peripheral Neuropathy often describe the pain as jabbing, burning or tingling. They’ll often experience a gradual onset of numbness, starting in their hands and/or feet, which can then spread up their arms and legs. This might gradually develop into a stronger, “throbbing or burning sensation”—which can make them extremely sensitive to touch. Patients can also experience muscle weakness, lack of coordination, frequent falls, and pain when performing everyday activities, such as wearing shoes or using a blanket. 

If their automatic nerves are affected, they can also experience bowel, bladder, or digestive problems, dizziness or lightheadedness caused by drops in their blood pressure, excessive (or inadequate) sweating, or feel overheated in warm environments.

‍

What Causes Peripheral Neuropathy?

The nerve damage associated with Peripheral Neuropathy can be caused by a range of different conditions. This includes auto-immune diseases (such as lupus and rheumatoid arthritis, among others) as well as inherited disorders like Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease. Tumors (either benign or malignant) and infections (including both viral and bacterial infections) have also been known to cause Peripheral Neuropathy. The most common cause of Peripheral Neuropathy is diabetes—with 60-70% of all people with diabetes developing some form of ‘diabetic neuropathy’ (Peripheral Neuropathy caused by diabetes) at some point in their lives. 

‍

How To Treat Peripheral Neuropathy In Austin

Peripheral Neuropathy can be treated in Austin using an array of techniques. Over-the-counter pain medications, or doctor-prescribed painkillers can be used to relieve mild or more severe symptoms, while topical treatments (such as capsaicin cream) can help ease the burning and irritation sensation. A specialized pain doctor in Austin can also recommend medications to relieve nerve pain, as well as medications to relieve pain by inhibiting the biochemical processes in your central nervous system that cause it. 

‍

What is the Best Form of Peripheral Neuropathy Treatment In Austin, TX?

When it comes Peripheral Neuropathy for those who live in Austin, there is no one-size-fits-all method. Peripheral Neuropathy has many potential causes and there are just as many viable treatments to address each persons’ individual symptoms. Your best bet is to visit an Austin-based pain management center—preferably one staffed with doctors with a background in pain medicine and anesthesiology. This can ensure you receive a custom treatment plan–based on your unique medical history and symptoms–that takes into account the many diverse forms of Peripheral Neuropathy treatment.

‍

Treat Your Peripheral Neuropathy At Greater Austin Pain

At Greater Austin Pain Center, we take an extensive approach to assessing our patients’ neuropathy symptoms. In addition to a physical exam—to check your vital signs, general appearance, and extremities—we’ll also review your full medical history—including your family history and lifestyle. We may also perform a neurological exam—to check your muscle strength, tone, and reflexes, as well as additional tests—including imaging tests, and nerve function tests. 

While this may sound excessive—it’s for good reason. By performing a comprehensive and holistic assessment, we can ensure that our treatment programs are designed around you and no one else, so that you receive the best treatment possible for your Peripheral Neuropathy symptoms.

Schedule an appointment with us today to discover the difference the right pain specialist can make!