Helping A Patient with Peripheral Neuropathy
“My name is Michael . I have peripheral neuropathy. I tried for years from San Louis (Obispo County), Santa Barbara & Ventura county to find relief, been to ER rooms & plenty of different types of doctor’s. As soon as I told the doctor I had neuropathy they said I’m sorry I can’t help you.
Then when I was yet at another doctor, waiting to see him, I pulled my phone out and googled peripheral neuropathy, and I came across the place where Sage worked at. A week later I was in to see her and my life began to change. I thought I was going to be in a wheelchair. I give credit to Sage for saving me.
The work she did on my calves and feet, and teaching me all kinds of exercises. I can’t say enough good things about Sage ever. I’ve lost so many lbs and I can do so many things then I used to. Now I see her 3 or 4 times a month, to keep my feet healthy, plus my legs and calves.”
– Michael B.
Peripheral neuropathy, a result of damage to your peripheral nerves, often causes weakness, numbness and pain, usually in your hands and feet. It can also affect other areas of your body.
Your peripheral nervous system sends information from your brain and spinal cord (central nervous system) to the rest of your body. Peripheral neuropathy can result from traumatic injuries, infections, metabolic problems, inherited causes and exposure to toxins. One of the most common causes is diabetes mellitus.
People with peripheral neuropathy generally describe the pain as stabbing, burning or tingling. In many cases, symptoms improve, especially if caused by a treatable condition. Medications can reduce the pain of peripheral neuropathy.
Different Types of Peripheral Neuropathy
There are several different kinds of peripheral neuropathies that stem from a variety of causes. They range from carpal tunnel syndrome (a traumatic injury common after chronic repetitive use of the hands and wrists, such as with computer use) to nerve damage linked to diabetes.
As a group, peripheral neuropathies are common, especially among people over the age of 55. All together, the conditions affect 3% to 4% of people in this group.
Neuropathies are typically classified according to the problems they cause or what is at the root of the damage. There also are terms that express how extensively the nerves have been damaged.
