UNDERSTANDING NEUROPATHY
Dr. Richard Jacoby, Scottsdale’s leading Podiatry expert answers your questions Q: WHAT IS PERIPHERAL NEUROPATHY? A: Your nervous system is divided into two regions – central and
peripheral. The central system includes the brain and spinal cord, while the peripheral system includes all the nerve roots and extremity nerves emanating from it. It’s a broad network, and all of these peripheral nerves transmit vital motor and sensory information throughout the body. A peripheral neuropathy may interrupt or distort some of these transmissions. Diabetic neuropathy and chemo neuropathy are two of the most prevalent kinds.
Q: WHAT CAUSES PERIPHERAL NEUROPATHY? A: The most common cause of peripheral neuropathy is diabetes.
Sometimes the cause is completely unknown (idiopathic). Here are some other potential causes for neuropathy: • • • • • • •
Autoimmune disorders rheumatoid arthritis or lupus Chronic kidney disease Infections such as HIV and liver infections Low levels of vitamin B12 or other problems with your diet Poor blood flow to the legs Underactive thyroid gland Toxin exposure such as lead, mercury, and solvents may lead to peripheral neuropathy. • Pharmaceutical drugs used to treat infections, cancer, seizures, or high blood pressure.
Q: WHAT ARE THE SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF NEUROPATHY? A: Signs and symptoms include: • Numbness or tingling in the hands or feet that gradually move upward into the extremities • Pain that is sharp or throbbing • Severe sensitivity to touch • Poor coordination • Frequent falls • Muscle weakness • Paralysis
EXTREMITY HEALTH CENTER UNIQUE MEDICAL SOLUTIONS
Q: WHAT KIND OF TREATMENTS EXIST FOR PERIPHERAL NEUROPATHY? A: There are several treatments available for peripheral neuropathy. • Medications, including pain medications, neurologic modifying agents, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSDAIDs), and antidepressants • Surgery, including the Dellon® Procedure for diabetic neuropathy or nerve release for mono-neuropathies like carpal tunnel syndrome • Calmare® device, a non-invasive FDA-cleared medical device shown to effectively alleviate pain associated with neuropathy • Laser therapy using specific wavelengths of light having a strong anti-inflammatory effect on tissues that help decrease pain • Injections, including steroids, numbing agents, and stem-cell rich anti-inflammatory injections Despite treatments on the market, many patients come to Extremity Health Centers reporting their doctor was unable to alleviate their pain. Dr. Jacoby welcomes challenging cases and has achieved unprecedented results in many of these patients. If you suffer from peripheral neuropathy that has not been successfully treated despite medications, schedule a consultation with Dr. Jacoby today to learn more.
7301 East 2nd Street, Suite 200 | Scottsdale, AZ. 85251 | 480.300.5022 | www.extremityhealthcenters.com