Neuropathy, or nerve damage, affects more than 20 million Americans. Several types of neuropathy exist, but underlying medical conditions, such as diabetes, or certain treatments, like chemotherapy, commonly cause it.
Regardless, neuropathy pain can affect your mobility and quality of life. Nerve damage often worsens over time, so it’s important to identify the cause and take steps to prevent further damage.
At Twin Creeks Orthopedics and Regenerative Clinic in Allen, Texas, our expert team provides high-quality care for neuropathy pain. Keep reading to learn why professional diagnosis is crucial and some of our most recommended treatment solutions.
Neuropathy is an umbrella term that refers to more than 100 different conditions that lead to nerve damage. Because it can present in many ways and vary in severity, partnering with a qualified medical provider is key to receiving safe and effective treatment.
While it can be tempting to self-diagnose using the internet or advice from friends and family, without a proper evaluation, you may only mask your symptoms or experience permanent nerve damage.
Neuropathy treatment isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach, so each care plan must be tailored to the individual. Even so, we typically recommend several therapies, including:
The nerve damage that neuropathy causes isn’t reversible, but when the condition is caught early, it’s possible to slow its progression. Prescription medications can help in these efforts by reducing pain, improving nerve function, and managing other health problems.
For example, if you have diabetic neuropathy, insulin therapy or another type of medication can help maintain stable blood sugar levels and protect your nerves. For neuropathy caused by other conditions, your doctor may recommend different targeted medications.
What’s good for your body is good for your nerves. Eating a balanced diet containing fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains gives you access to essential vitamins and minerals that support nerve health, such as B12 and folate. Similarly, regular exercise improves circulation, supports balance, and reduces nerve-related pain.
If you have diabetes or another health issue that increases your risk of neuropathy, don’t ignore it. Monitoring your blood sugar daily, taking medication as prescribed, and adjusting your diet and routine can significantly reduce your risk of nerve damage.
Neuropathy increases the risk of falls and other injuries because impaired nerves make it challenging to maintain balance and stability. Physical therapy helps address these challenges by improving your strength, balance, and flexibility. It can be personally tailored to your needs and often incorporates stretches, strengthening exercises, and manual therapies.
Nerve stimulation treatments, like TENS (transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation), direct low-voltage electrical impulses at specific groups of nerves. This gently stimulates the treatment site, prompting it to release endorphins (feel-good chemicals). It also prevents pain signals from reaching your brain.
Regenerative medicine techniques, like platelet-rich plasma (PRP), use natural growth factors, such as the platelets found in your blood, to manage nerve pain. When injected into specific nerve groups, these treatments increase circulation to the site and encourage the formation of new, healthy nerve tissue.
If you’re struggling to manage neuropathy pain, a professional evaluation can help determine the best approach. With a tailored plan, you can minimize pain and focus on living your life. Contact us today to explore your treatment options. Call (469) 342-3383 or book online.