5 Signs You May Have Neuropathy
Neuropathy is an umbrella term for a group of nerve-related conditions. Peripheral neuropathy affects the nerves outside your central nervous system, such as the nerves in your feet. Peripheral neuropathy is quite common and may affect patients with diabetes or autoimmune diseases, as well as those undergoing chemotherapy.
If you experience signs of neuropathy, it’s important to get a diagnosis promptly. Dr. Volstad of Volstad Integrated Wellness can evaluate your symptoms and offer drug-free treatment in Palm Beach Gardens, FL. In most cases, neuropathy can be effectively treated, and our patients can get back to enjoying their life.
1. Numbness
The hallmark sign of peripheral neuropathy is numbness. This can happen when the nerves are unable to send signals to the brain, which means the brain can no longer identify sensations of touch. For example, if peripheral neuropathy affects your feet, you might have trouble feeling the floor when walking around barefoot. If it affects your hands, you might not feel how cold a glass of water is when holding it.
Numbness is often accompanied by tingling or prickling sensations. The onset of numbness and tingling may be gradual, spreading slowly from your feet or hands into your legs or arms.
2. Pain
The pain of peripheral neuropathy can range from mild to severe. You might feel sensitivity to touch, or you might feel pain that is sharp, burning, or throbbing. This can happen when nerve damage causes the nerves to spontaneously emit pain signals.
The nerves might also make pain signals more intense, a condition known as hyperalgesia. Or the pain signals might happen far more easily than usual during activities that shouldn’t usually cause pain, such as covering your feet with a blanket.
3. Muscle Weakness
Peripheral neuropathy causes the nerves to deteriorate. This can weaken the muscles in the area and, in severe cases, even lead to localized paralysis. You may experience muscle weakness in the hand, toes, foot, legs, or arms.
4. Imbalance and Lack of Coordination
Your nerves help your brain identify where your hands and feet are. This provides you with your muscle coordination and your sense of balance. Dr. Volstad often works with patients who suffer from lack of coordination and balance caused by neuropathy.
5. Muscle Atrophy
When the muscles aren’t receiving signals from the nerves, they may eventually begin to shrink in size. This can worsen muscle weakness. It’s possible to experience muscle atrophy in areas such as the feet, lower legs, and hands.
Get Treatment Focused on Natural Healing
Dr. Keith Volstad has been Board Certified in Neuropathy and has extensive experience working with patients who have tried other neuropathy treatments without success. You shouldn’t have to live with the pain and numbness of peripheral neuropathy. Dr. Volstad will use proven treatments to help restore your function and improve your well-being. Call our office in Palm Beach Gardens, FL today to schedule an appointment for an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan for neuropathy.
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