What is peripheral neuropathy?

Peripheral neuropathy is a medical condition caused by damage to the peripheral nerves, which carry signals between your brain, spinal cord, and the rest of your body. When these nerves are impaired, you may experience numbness, tingling, burning pain, or weakness, most often in your hands and feet. At Arch Medical Group in Clearwater, we focus on identifying the root cause of peripheral neuropathy and creating personalized treatment plans.

Potential Causes of Peripheral Neuropathy:

  • Diabetes, especially when blood sugar is poorly controlled
  • Autoimmune diseases such as lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, or Guillain-Barré syndrome
  • Infections, including Lyme disease, shingles, hepatitis C, HIV, and Epstein-Barr virus
  • Hereditary disorders like Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease
  • Vitamin deficiencies, particularly B vitamins, which are vital for nerve health
  • Chronic alcoholism, which can lead to nutritional deficiencies
  • Exposure to toxins such as heavy metals or certain chemotherapy drugs
  • Trauma, surgery, or prolonged pressure on nerves
  • Kidney, liver, or thyroid disorders
  • Idiopathic cases where no clear cause is found

Symptoms of Peripheral Neuropathy:

  • Numbness, tingling, or prickling sensations in hands and feet
  • Sharp, throbbing, or burning pain in affected areas
  • Extreme sensitivity to touch, even light pressure
  • Muscle weakness or, in severe cases, paralysis
  • Loss of coordination and frequent falls
  • Heat intolerance and abnormal sweating patterns
  • Digestive, bladder, or bowel problems
  • Dizziness or lightheadedness from blood pressure changes

What are the types of peripheral neuropathy

Mononeuropathy

Mononeuropathy occurs when a single peripheral nerve is damaged, usually from direct injury, entrapment, or prolonged pressure. Common examples include carpal tunnel syndrome or ulnar nerve palsy. Symptoms are localized, often causing pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness in a specific area. With timely treatment, function can often be restored without complications.

Polyneuropathy

Polyneuropathy affects multiple peripheral nerves simultaneously, typically in a symmetrical pattern beginning in the hands and feet. Diabetes is the most common cause, though it can also result from infections, toxins, or unknown factors. Without proactive management, symptoms can worsen and spread, significantly impacting daily activities.

Autonomic Neuropathy

Autonomic neuropathy involves damage to the autonomic nervous system, which controls involuntary functions like heart rate, digestion, blood pressure, and sweating. This type can cause a wide range of issues, from gastrointestinal problems and bladder dysfunction to abnormal blood pressure or sexual difficulties.

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Treatments for peripheral neuropathy in Clearwater

  • Pulse Wave Therapy: This treatment uses high-frequency sound waves to improve blood circulation and stimulate nerve regeneration. It can help reduce pain, increase mobility, and support long-term healing of damaged nerves.
  • Pulsed Electromagnetic Field Therapy (PEMF): PEMF involves delivering electromagnetic waves to decrease inflammation and accelerate cellular repair. Many patients find relief from chronic pain and improved nerve function over time.
  • Red Light Therapy: By exposing the body to low levels of red or near-infrared light, this therapy helps reduce oxidative stress and boost overall blood circulation. It helps calm nerve irritation and promotes cellular regeneration.
  • Whole-Body Vibration: Standing or sitting on a vibrating platform stimulates muscles and nerves, enhancing blood circulation and reducing discomfort. This method may also improve coordination and mobility in affected areas.
  • IV Therapy: Customized IV infusions deliver essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants directly into your bloodstream. B vitamins, in particular, support nerve health and can help address deficiencies linked to neuropathy.
  • Trigenics: Trigenics combines manual therapy, resisted movements, and neurologic stimulation to “reset” communication between nerves and muscles. This can improve strength, reduce pain, and restore functional mobility.
  • Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP): PRP therapy utilizes your body’s own platelets, which are concentrated and reinjected into damaged areas, to stimulate healing. The growth factors in PRP may help regenerate nerve tissue and relieve symptoms.

Why choose Arch Medical Group?

At Arch Medical Group, we take a whole-body approach to treating peripheral neuropathy, focusing on the root cause rather than simply masking symptoms. With 15+ years of experience serving patients in Clearwater and across Florida, our team uses the latest therapies to relieve pain, restore nerve function, and improve quality of life. Schedule a consultation today to explore your treatment options for peripheral neuropathy in Clearwater.

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