Posts for: April, 2017

Peripheral Neuropathy

By Southwest Foot Institute

April 26, 2017

Category: Foot Care

Tags: Peripheral Neuropathy

According to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, about 20 million people suffer from some form of peripheral neuropathy, a form of nerve damage. If left untreated, this condition can affect various aspects of your daily life. Learn more about peripheral neuropathy and how your podiatrist Dr. Michael Dershowitz at Southwest Foot Institute in Phoenix, Glendale and Scottsdale, AZ can help.

What is peripheral neuropathy?
Peripheral neuropathy is a result of damage to the body’s peripheral nervous system which sends information between the various parts of the body to the brain and spinal cord. This information can include anything from hot, cold and pain sensations to telling a muscle in your hand to move. When this information is disrupted on its journey from the brain to the muscle due to peripheral neuropathy, symptoms including tingling, numbness, phantom pains, or even paralysis may occur.

What causes peripheral neuropathy?
The cause most commonly related to peripheral neuropathy is injury or trauma to the nerve. This can occur due to any number of incidents, including automobile accidents, a tackle that went wrong on the football field, or a simple fall. Repeated stress on the nerve can also cause peripheral neuropathy. Diseases like autoimmune disorders, cancers, kidney problems and infections can also trigger peripheral neuropathy. In some cases, toxin exposure can cause this condition.

Peripheral Neuropathy Treatments in Phoenix Glendale and Scottsdale, AZ
Your doctor will use a physical examination and various testing to diagnose peripheral neuropathy. This process may include taking a biopsy of the nerve or skin or MRIs. Treatments will vary depending on the cause and severity of the nerve damage. In some cases, treatment may include treating the condition causing the peripheral neuropathy. Other cases may require simple symptom management, such as taking anti-inflammatory medications or the topical application of numbing medications. Laser therapy is a painless and noninvasive treatment option. Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation, called TENS for short, or nerve decompression surgery may be an option for some patients.

For more information on peripheral neuropathy, how it affects your feet and how your podiatrist can help, please contact Dr. Michael Dershowitz at Southwest Foot Institute at any of his three locations: Phoenix, Glendale, or Scottsdale, AZ

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