Heal the Burn: Understanding and Managing Peripheral Neuropathy

Have you been feeling tingling, numbness, or even pain in your hands or feet recently that you just can’t seem to shake? Does it tend to stick around no matter how much you massage them or move around to try to increase circulation? These sensations might point towards a condition called peripheral neuropathy. Imagine if your nerves were like telephone wires connecting up to your brain. In peripheral neuropathy, the wires are damaged and cannot send signals properly.

Who is at risk?

Peripheral neuropathy can affect anyone, but the risk is higher for people who

• are over the age of 40
• have diabetes
• have high blood pressure
• have high cholesterol
• are overweight or obese
• have a family history of peripheral neuropathy
• have had chemotherapy or radiation treatment for cancer
• have had an injury to the nerves in their hands or feet

What causes peripheral neuropathy?

There are many causes of peripheral neuropathy. It could be from blood sugar levels that are higher than they should be, an injury that hasn’t healed, damage from toxins such as chemotherapy, or even an imbalance in your body’s natural chemistry. Sometimes, it might be because of an infection or because the body’s defenses are a bit too eager and mistakenly affect the nerves. In some cases, doctors cannot determine any cause at all.

How is peripheral neuropathy treated?

There are a number of treatment options for managing the symptoms of peripheral neuropathy. These typically include surgery, medication, physical therapy, and chiropody (podiatry) care. The prognosis for recovery depends on the cause, severity, and extent of nerve damage.

Some types of peripheral neuropathy resolve on their own, while others are permanent and tend to worsen over time. The latter type is typically caused by diabetes or autoimmune disorders. If left untreated, it can lead to complications including severe pain, injuries due to loss of sensation and balance, muscle atrophy and weakness, and infections from ulcers.

Can acupuncture help with peripheral neuropathy?

Multiple studies have demonstrated that acupuncture can be effective for managing pain and improving nerve conduction in patients with peripheral neuropathy. At TLC Medicine, our founder Teresa Lau has had extensive training and experience treating this condition with acupuncture and integrative therapies. We understand how this debilitating condition can be to your overall quality of life. The first step for all new patients is to book a free consultation, where we will review your health history, conduct an assessment, and develop a personalized treatment plan. If you are looking for relief, give us a call today and let us help you get your life back!