PainCare Florida Physicians

Neuropathy

PAIN CONDITION

Neuropathy: Causes, Treatment & Pain Relief

Neuropathy pain affects millions of people worldwide and presents challenges that can impact daily life. The Brain Institute at Oregon Health & Science University (OSHU) estimates that between 20 to 30 million Americans suffer from neuropathic pain, and even more go undiagnosed.[1] Several types of neuropathy, including peripheral neuropathy, often affect the hands and feet. While some nerve diseases are hereditary and no underlying condition is found, peripheral neuropathy is most often associated with diabetes.[2]

Understanding the symptoms, causes, and management strategies is crucial for individuals struggling with neuropathy pain and to confidently navigate their conditions.

About Peripheral Neuropathy Pain

Neuropathy is a broad term that describes damage or dysfunction of the nerves. Peripheral neuropathy affects the nerves that make up the peripheral nervous system. This network of nerves lies outside the central nervous system, which consists of your brain and spinal cord.[3] It’s in charge of voluntary and involuntary functions such as your senses (touch), movement (walking) and unconscious processes (heartbeat).[4]

Nerve pain can affect anyone, but it is common in diabetic patients and those with age-related diseases.[3] Hand and feet neuropathy is associated with tingling, numbness, and pain, often felt spontaneously or intensely. [3] Patients may experience hypersensitivity and pain from soft touches or simple activities like walking neither, which would typically not cause pain.[5] Neuropathic pain may be excruciating and disruptive, which can interfere with sleep, work and daily activities.

Neuropathic Pain Symptoms

Symptoms of neuropathy pain vary depending on the type and severity of nerve damage.

Common symptoms include:

  • Tingling[6]
  • Numbness[6]
  • Loss of sensation in the arms and legs[6]
  • Burning sensation in the feet or hands[6]
  • Pins and needles[7]
  • Muscle twitching or cramps[7]
  • Muscle weakness[7]
  • Burning or sharp pain [7]
  • Pain from gentle touch[7]
  • Loss of balance or coordination) [7]
  • Difficulty feeling pain or temperature changes (feet) [7]
  • Foot drop (difficulty lifting toes/front of the foot)[7]

Neuropathy Pain Causes

According to the Cleveland Clinic, peripheral neuropathy has many causes, including:

  • Diabetes

  • Vitamin and nutrient deficiencies

  • Long-term alcohol use

  • Autoimmune and inflammatory conditions (Guillain-Barré syndrome, RA, lupus and more)

  • Medications and toxins

  • Infections

  • Genetic conditions

  • Injury

  • Surgery

  • Vascular disorders

  • Unidentified cause

Neuropathy Pain Treatments

Managing neuropathy pain involves a multifaceted approach to alleviate symptoms and address underlying causes. Treatment strategies may include OTC pain relievers, antidepressants, or anticonvulsants to manage discomfort and improve nerve function.[8] Physical therapy, acupuncture and medical equipment like canes or prescribed footwear can help enhance mobility and alleviate pain.[3] Maintaining healthy blood sugar levels, regular exercise, and avoiding alcohol and tobacco can mitigate symptoms and prevent further nerve damage.

Chronic nerve pain may require additional diagnostics and specialized care from a pain management doctor. Pain doctors are trained to treat and manage neuropathic pain through various techniques such as medication management, interventional procedures and physical therapy.

When to Consult a Neuropathy Pain Care Specialist

If your pain doesn’t improve with conventional treatment, symptoms worsen, or your neuropathy pain is persistent, consult a pain care professional. Pain specialists offer injections, pain blocks, spinal cord stimulators and transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) to manage neuropathic pain and improve the quality of your life.

Early intervention of diabetic neuropathy can help prevent complications and improve outcomes, ensuring optimal neuropathy pain management.

Resources:

  1. Peripheral Neuropathy – Brain Institute – OSHU Nerve Center. OHSU [Internet]. Accessed March 21, 2024. Available from: https://www.ohsu.edu/brain-institute/peripheral-neuropathy‌
  2. Peripheral neuropathy: MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia. National Library of Medicine. MedlinePlus [Internet]. April 25, 2022. Accessed March 21, 2024. Available from: https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/000593.htm
  3. Cleveland Clinic. Peripheral neuropathy: What it is, symptoms & treatment. Cleveland Clinic [Internet]. October 14, 2022. Accessed March 21, 2024. Available from: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/14737-peripheral-neuropathy
  4. Cleveland Clinic. Peripheral Nervous System (PNS): What It Is & Function. Cleveland Clinic [Internet]. May 25, 2022. Accessed March 21, 2024. Available from: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/body/23123-peripheral-nervous-system-pns
  5. Costigan M, Scholz J, Woolf CJ. Neuropathic Pain: A Maladaptive Response of the Nervous System to Damage. Annual Review of Neuroscience [Internet]. 2009;32(1):1-32. doi:10.1146/annurev.neuro.051508.135531. Accessed March 21, 2024. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2768555/
  6. Dansinger M. Understanding Peripheral Neuropathy — the Basics. WebMD Internet]. June 15, 2017. Accessed March 21, 2024. Available from: https://www.webmd.com/brain/understanding-peripheral-neuropathy-basics
  7. NHS. Peripheral neuropathy – Symptoms. National Health Service (NHS)[Internet]. October 23, 2017. Accessed March 21, 2024. Available from: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/peripheral-neuropathy/symptoms/
  8. Peripheral Neuropathy. John Hopkins Medicine [Internet]. August 8, 2021. Accessed March 21, 2024. Available from: https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/peripheral-neuropathy#treatment
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