Neuropathy is a term used to describe damage to your peripheral nerves. Your nerves can be classified into three categories:
- Sensory nerves, which are responsible for sensation
- Motor nerves, which control function
- Autonomic nerves, which are automatic, like your breathing
When a condition affects any of these nerves, it can lead to a host of symptoms that range from pain to organ dysfunction. That said, neuropathy most often affects the sensory nerves in your extremities, chiefly your arms, hands, legs, and feet.
What are the symptoms of neuropathy?
The symptoms of neuropathy depend upon which type of nerves have incurred damage. If your sensory nerves are involved, it often leads to:
- Pain
- Numbness and tingling
- Loss of reflex and coordination
Motor neuropathy is often signaled by:
- Muscle weakness
- Cramps
- Twitching
- Falling
- Difficulty moving
Lastly, autonomic neuropathy leads to dysfunction in the area the nerve controls, such as loss of bladder function or excessive sweating.
What causes neuropathy?
Many conditions can lead to nerve damage, including:
- Diabetes
- Injury
- Metabolic disorders
- Infections
- Toxins
- Vascular issues
Far and away, the most common form of neuropathy is diabetic neuropathy, which largely affects the distal parts of the extremities.
How is neuropathy diagnosed and treated?
When you first come in, Dr. Chowdhury spends a considerable amount of time reviewing your symptoms and your medical history. He may also turn to advanced imaging or nerve conduction studies to get a better understanding of the type of nerve damage.
After making a diagnosis, Dr. Chowdhury works to alleviate your symptoms and initiate a treatment plan that may halt or possibly reverse your nerve damage. How he goes about this depends upon the underlying cause of the problem.
Rest assured, whatever the cause, he’s using the latest pain management techniques to help you find relief from the symptoms of your neuropathy.
To request for a consultation with Dr. Chowdhury, call Ortho-Spine Rehab Center or visit the Appointment page to request an appointment.