More than 20 million adults in the U.S. have been diagnosed with peripheral neuropathy, though the National Institute of Health estimates that another 10 million or so cases have been left un- or misdiagnosed. The random numbness caused by this neurological disorder is easy to confuse with other nerve and pain disorders, and those with mild cases likely don’t seek an official diagnosis or treatment.
What is Peripheral Neuropathy?
Peripheral neuropathy results when the peripheral nervous system becomes damaged. The peripheral nervous system is the giant network of nerves that send signals between the brain and spinal cord, and the rest of the human body. When you realize that your feet are cold, it is because of a signal delivered to your brain by the peripheral nervous system. Paper cut on your fingertip? You can thank your peripheral nervous system for alerting you to the sensation of pain.
When the peripheral nervous system is damaged, you may experience the following symptoms:
1. Random numbness, or number in fingers, toes, or other extremities due to broken neural connections.
2. Muscle weakness, which is especially common in the feet.
3. A burning sensation, or stabbing, shooting pain where nerve damage is prevalent
4. Loss of balance, or other poor coordination.
Peripheral neuropathy is not life-threatening, though the symptoms can cause severe pain or discomfort, capable of destroying a person’s ability to live a rich and fulfilling life.
What are the Causes of Peripheral Neuropathy?
Peripheral neuropathy often develops slowly, over the course of many years. The leading cause of this nerve disorder is diabetes—the blood sugar levels associated with this disease can cause nerve damage.
Other causes of peripheral neuropathy include physical injury, viral infections, alcohol abuse, and certain medications.
What Treatments are Available?
Unlike the central nervous system, the nerves in our peripheral nervous system regenerate and grow throughout our lives. For this reason, the symptoms of peripheral neuropathy may decrease over time.
However, with chronic cases, it’s best to treat the underlying cause of the condition first. That may mean getting your blood sugar under control if you are diabetic, or working with a physical therapist if you are experiencing muscle weakness.
Medications known as neuropathic pain agents can be used to address the nerve pain caused by this disorder. Another effective treatment for those suffering from intense, chronic nerve pain is ketamine therapy. Anesthesia & Analgesia, the official journal of the International Anesthesia Research Society, reports that ketamine therapy is valuable as a treatment for the pain associated with nerve damage, reporting a longer duration of relief after the initial series of infusions.
Contact VIP Ketamine
Our Modesto, CA ketamine clinic and pain management center offers ketamine therapy for peripheral neuropathy and other chronic pain conditions. Owned and operated by Dr. Kyle Heron, one of California’s leading interventional pain and functional medicine practitioners, VIP Ketamine Clinics offers innovative and effective treatments for a wide range of pain conditions. Contact us using the brief form below and learn more about how ketamine could help you reclaim your life.