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If you have diabetes or another autoimmune disease, your risk for peripheral neuropathy can increase significantly. At HealthyU Clinics, with offices in Phoenix, Mesa, Chandler, Surprise, Gilbert, Avondale, and Glendale, Arizona, the experienced physicians provide diagnostic testing and treatment services to relieve peripheral neuropathy symptoms. The providers customize a care plan using medications, physical therapy, and lifestyle changes to manage nerve pain and prevent additional complications. Call the HealthyU Clinics office near you to schedule a peripheral neuropathy evaluation or book a consultation online today.
Peripheral Neuropathy Q & A
What is peripheral neuropathy?
Peripheral neuropathy describes nerve damage in the peripheral nerves, which supply sensations to your upper and lower body. These nerves also send signals to your brain to control many biological functions, including digestion and muscle movements.
Your risk for peripheral neuropathy increases if you have underlying health conditions that can damage your nerves, such as:
- Diabetes (diabetic neuropathy)
- Infections
- Autoimmune disorders
- Hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid)
Exposure to toxins, vitamin deficiencies, and physical trauma can also damage areas of your peripheral nervous system.
HealthyU Clinics offers comprehensive care for peripheral neuropathy, including on-site diagnostic testing services and customized treatment plans.
When should I seek medical care for peripheral neuropathy?
You can experience a range of symptoms due to peripheral neuropathy, depending on the type of peripheral nerve that’s damaged.
Your peripheral nervous system contains sensory nerves that regulate sensations like touch and pain, autonomic nerves that control digestion, blood pressure and other automatic functions, and motor nerves that control muscle movement.
The HealthyU Clinics providers recommend a diagnostic evaluation if you experience:
- Muscle weakness
- Tingling in hands or feet
- Burning or stabbing pain
- Increased sensitivity to touch
- Excessive sweating and heat intolerance
The physicians complete a physical exam and may order blood work, diagnostic imaging tests, and nerve function studies to assess the health of your peripheral nerves.
Based on your test results, the providers create a treatment plan to relieve your symptoms and prevent further nerve damage.
How is peripheral neuropathy treated?
Peripheral neuropathy treatment plans typically involve a combination of medications and physical therapy. The HealthyU Clinics physicians can prescribe anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving medications to keep you comfortable.
Some people may also benefit from anti-seizure or antidepressant medications to ease nerve-related pain. If you have a vitamin deficiency, your provider may recommend supplements you can take to prevent additional nerve damage.
Your provider might refer you for physical therapy to restore muscle function and prevent peripheral neuropathy symptoms from worsening.
You might also be a candidate for regenerative medicine therapies available in-office. Regenerative therapy uses stem cells from your body to repair damaged nerve tissue.
Call the HealthyU Clinics office near you to schedule a peripheral neuropathy consultation or book an appointment online today.