What causes Neuropathy? | Causes, Symptoms, and Treatments

Neuropathy, or nerve damage, is a condition that affects millions of people and can significantly impact daily life. It occurs when nerves are damaged or dysfunctional, leading to pain, numbness, tingling, and weakness, typically in the hands and feet. At Garden State Pain and Orthopedics, our team specializes in diagnosing and treating neuropathy to help patients regain comfort and function.

What Causes Neuropathy?

Neuropathy can develop due to various underlying conditions, including:

• Diabetes: The most common cause, leading to diabetic neuropathy.

• Autoimmune Diseases: Conditions such as lupus and rheumatoid arthritis can attack the nerves.

• Infections: Viruses like shingles or Lyme disease can cause nerve damage.

• Vitamin Deficiencies: A lack of B vitamins, particularly B12, can impair nerve function.

• Alcohol Abuse: Chronic alcohol use can lead to nerve degeneration.

• Toxins and Medications: Exposure to certain chemicals or chemotherapy drugs.

• Injuries and Trauma: Physical damage to nerves from accidents or repetitive stress.

Common Symptoms of Neuropathy

Neuropathy symptoms vary depending on the affected nerves, but common signs include:

• Numbness or Tingling: A “pins and needles” sensation, usually in the hands or feet.

• Burning or Sharp Pain: Often worsens at night.

• Muscle Weakness: Difficulty walking or performing fine motor tasks.

• Sensitivity to Touch: Even light pressure can cause pain.

• Loss of Balance and Coordination: Increased risk of falls and injuries.

Non-Surgical Treatment Options for Neuropathy

At Garden State Pain and Orthopedics, we offer a variety of advanced, non-surgical treatments to manage neuropathy symptoms:

1. Medications for Symptom Relief

• Pain Relievers: Over-the-counter NSAIDs or prescription medications for severe cases.

• Antidepressants and Anticonvulsants: These can help manage nerve pain by altering pain signals.

• Topical Treatments: Creams containing lidocaine or capsaicin can provide localized relief.

2. Nerve Blocks and Injections

• Epidural Steroid Injections: Reduce inflammation and relieve nerve-related pain.

• Peripheral Nerve Blocks: Temporarily block pain signals from affected nerves.

3. Physical Therapy and Lifestyle Changes

• Exercise Programs: Strengthening and stretching routines to improve circulation and reduce symptoms.

• Nutritional Guidance: Ensuring adequate vitamin intake to support nerve health.

• Smoking and Alcohol Cessation: Reducing risk factors that can worsen neuropathy.

4. Regenerative Medicine and Advanced Therapies

• Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Therapy: Uses growth factors to promote nerve healing.

• Spinal Cord Stimulation: A device that modulates pain signals for chronic neuropathy sufferers.

• Peripheral Nerve Stimulation: A minimally invasive approach to nerve pain relief.

Get Expert Neuropathy Care at Garden State Pain and Orthopedics

If you’re experiencing neuropathy symptoms, early intervention can prevent further nerve damage and improve your quality of life. At Garden State Pain and Orthopedics, our team of specialists provides cutting-edge treatment options tailored to your specific needs.

Don’t let nerve pain control your life—schedule a consultation today to explore the best solutions for managing neuropathy and restoring comfort.