Decoding Peripheral Neuropathy: Understanding a Complex Diagnosis
Peripheral neuropathy is a problematic diagnosis. It occurs when the nerves that are located outside of the brain and spinal cord (peripheral nerves) are damaged. We see it a fair amount. Peripheral neuropathy can result from traumatic injuries, infections, metabolic problems, inherited causes, and exposure to toxins, radiation, or chemotherapy. Oftentimes, it’s connected to diabetes. Even lumbar stenosis or pinching of the nerves can result in peripheral neuropathy.
Symptoms
Symptoms of peripheral neuropathy might include:
- Numbness, prickling, or tingling in your feet or hands, which can spread upward into your legs and arms
- Extreme sensitivity to touch
- Feeling like you’re walking on pillows
- Sharp, jabbing, throbbing, or burning pain
- Loss of balance and falling
- Weak, heavy feeling in the arms or legs
- Inability to move if motor nerves are affected
If autonomic nerves are affected, symptoms might include:
- Heat intolerance
- Excessive sweating or not being able to sweat
- Bowel, bladder, or digestive problems
- Drops in blood pressure, causing dizziness or lightheadedness
The Physio Difference in Treatment
We believe one of the leading causes that are correctable is lack of blood flow to the nerve. We see this especially with lumbar stenosis and the difficulty of microvasculature related to diabetes. The solution comes in not treating the victim but the culprit. So, if a lack of blood flow to the nerve is the culprit, we need to treat that.
Revolutionizing Pain Relief: Anodyne Therapy at PhysioPoint
Now, exercise is a great way to get blood flow to the muscles and the nerves, but we have found an essential passive tool—where you can do it without needing to do it—called Anodyne Therapy. The Anodyne® Infrared Therapy Systems are medical devices used to increase circulation and reduce pain, stiffness, and muscle spasms—and they are manufactured in the USA. The infrared light therapy goes into the affected limb and helps regenerate blood flow pathways to the nerve. We rent out the Anodyne machine or you can choose to purchase one for yourself. We offer that at PhysioPoint as part of the Physio Difference.
Restoration of blood flow is the way out of your peripheral neuropathy. If you or anyone else you know is suffering from that, please know that it is treatable through Anodyne Therapy and you can find it at PhysioPoint. Reach out to us today to experience the Physio Difference, too!
