Neuropathy

This is a tough one. Neuropathy comes in many forms, and is treated by many specialties. It is not uncommon that neuropathy is treated by more than one practitioner, and requires extensive therapy to improve the outcome. For example, the family practice provider or internist might be treating the metabolic disorder (such as diabetes), and the pain practitioner helping to control the pain.

What is Neuropathy?

Neuropathy comes to us as a nerve problem. Neuropathy involves the central nervous system, and is described in the peripheral nervous system as well. You may have heard of people complaining that their hands and feet burn with diabetes. This is diabetic peripheral neuropathy. Other types of neuropathy might complain of a more isolated area, or a better description as a mononeuropathy. The lists of causes are many, but most people that suffer from neuropathy just want relief.

How Can I Treat Neuropathy?

Relief comes in many forms. Neuropathy is usually treated with medications, but might require advanced interventional technologies such as spinal cord stimulation. The gabapentin type drugs are ideal. Opioids, however, tend to be less effective.

Neuropathy finds so many different courses of care. We often treat this problem as a multi modality care model. Providers might entertain physical therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, medication management, and interventions. Complete relief is not out of reach, but more commonly management of symptoms is our best course of care. Neuropathies are also accompanied with numbness, and dysesthesia. This burning tingling pain is treated from the inside out, and sometimes from the outside in. We use medications to address the nervous system, and sometimes topical agents for the peripheral manifestations.