What is neuropathy?
Neuropathy is a type of nerve damage causing pain, a pins-and-needles sensation, or tingling in the areas of your body it affects. Severe neuropathy can also cause muscle weakness. If you have neuropathy, your neurons (nerve cells) struggle to communicate with each other and your brain in a normal way.
You might have neuropathy in just one region or in many places throughout your body. You might develop the condition slowly or very rapidly, and it usually gets worse over time without treatment. Susan Gutierrez, MD, and her team provide advanced nonsurgical treatments for neuropathy to help you manage your symptoms and live comfortably.
What are common signs and symptoms of neuropathy?
For many individuals, neuropathy is more than just pain, tingling, or numbness. Your neuropathy might also cause:
- Muscle cramps
- Muscle twitching
- Low blood pressure
- Changes to sensations like touch or pain
- Urinary incontinence
- Digestive issues
- Sexual dysfunction
- Unintentional weight loss
Even if a symptom seems to be separate from neuropathy, you should mention it during your consultation at Susan Gutierrez, MD.
What causes neuropathy?
Neuropathy is often a symptom or complication of another health issue. You might develop neuropathy because of one of the following health conditions:
- Diabetes
- Hypothyroidism
- Tumors
- Lupus
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Herpes
- Chickenpox
- Shingles
- Hepatitis C
- Vascular disorders
You can also get neuropathy as a side effect from medications or certain behaviors. Smoking habits and alcoholism are both associated with neuropathy.
As part of your treatment plan, Dr. Gutierrez might make recommendations for healthy lifestyle changes.
What are my treatment options for neuropathy?
Dr. Gutierrez explores the factors contributing to your neuropathy and selects one or more appropriate treatment. She focuses her efforts on conservative treatments that don’t involve surgery.
If you often feel pain, tingling, or numbness from neuropathy, Dr. Gutierrez might recommend:
Medications
Antidepressants and anti-seizure medications can help ease the symptoms of neuropathy.
Therapies
Certain therapies and treatments might help you manage your neuropathy symptoms. Dr. Gutierrez might recommend nerve root blocks, Stimwave Peripheral Nerve Stimulation, Calmare® pain therapy, or other advanced treatments available in the office.
Lifestyle changes
Smoking cessation, getting the vitamins you need through your diet, and easing back on alcohol consumption can all lessen neuropathy symptoms.
To learn more about neuropathy and management strategies for it, call Susan Gutierrez, MD, or request an appointment online today.
