One of the most common causes of peripheral neuropathy is diabetes. However, this type of nerve damage can also be the result of a traumatic injury.
Peripheral neuropathy causes sharp, stabbing pain, tingling, and numbness in the feet and hands. It can make it difficult to walk or keep your balance. The type of treatment recommended for peripheral neuropathy depends on the root cause of the condition.
Causes of Peripheral Neuropathy
Traumatic peripheral neuropathy can occur from the following:
- Automobile accident
- Slip and fall
- Sports injury
- Medical procedure
These types of injuries can compress or stretch the nerves or detach them from the spinal cord. A slipped vertebrae disk or broken or dislocated bones can also cause pressure on nearby nerves and nerve fibers resulting in peripheral neuropathy.
Treatment Options for Peripheral Neuropathy
If you are experiencing nerve pain from peripheral neuropathy, consult with Dr. Williams for diagnosis and treatment options. To diagnose the condition, the following may be done:
- Physical and neurological exam
- Blood tests
- Imaging tests such as a CT scan or MRI
- Nerve function tests
- Nerve biopsy
Without proper treatment, peripheral neuropathy symptoms can last for months or years and gradually worsen over time. The goal of treatment is to reduce symptoms and improve pain by allowing the nerves to heal. When peripheral neuropathy is caused by an injury and not from diabetes, treatments such as medication or lifestyle changes may not prove effective in providing relief.
Nerve decompression surgery is an option to consider if peripheral neuropathy is interfering with your daily activities and cannot be controlled by conservative methods. Surgery is done to release pinched or compressed nerves that are causing pain and symptoms. The type of procedure done will depend on the root cause of the condition and the specific nerves that are affected.
To schedule an appointment with Dr. Williams to discuss peripheral neuropathy treatment options, contact us at (410) 709-3868 or fill out our contact form online.
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