Peripheral Nerve Disease

Up to 20 million Americans have peripheral nerve disease. There’s no cure, but healthy lifestyle changes, routine checkups, and prescription medication can help you feel better. At Pain Medicine of the South, the team of interventional pain management specialists offers high-quality care for peripheral nerve disease, including treatment with peripheral nerve stimulators. To make an appointment, call the office in Knoxville, Tennessee, or book online today.

What is peripheral nerve disease?

Peripheral nerve disease is a condition that damages your peripheral nerves –– the nerves outside your brain and spinal cord, responsible for touch and temperature sensations.

Anyone can develop peripheral nerve disease, but it’s most common in people with diabetes and other chronic medical conditions.

What are the symptoms of peripheral nerve disease?

Symptoms of peripheral nerve disease include:

• Jabbing, throbbing, or burning pain
• Extreme sensitivity to touch
• Lack of coordination
• Loss of balance and falling
• Heat intolerance

As the condition worsens, you might also experience bladder or bowel problems, like incontinence.

When should I seek treatment for peripheral nerve disease?

Make an appointment with the team at Pain Medicine of the South if you have tingling or numbness in your hands or feet that doesn’t improve with at-home treatment. That’s especially true if your symptoms affect your mobility or keep you from activities you enjoy.

What causes peripheral nerve disease?

Peripheral nerve disease occurs for various reasons, including:

• Diabetes
• Autoimmune diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis
• Tumors
• Bone marrow disorders
• Alcoholism

You might also develop peripheral nerve disease if your job exposes you to toxic substances or heavy metals. 

How is peripheral nerve disease diagnosed?

To diagnose peripheral nerve disease, your Pain Medicine of the South provider reviews your medical records and completes a physical exam and a neurological exam. They test your reflexes, check your muscle strength and tone, and assess your gait and posture.

Next, your provider orders lab work, including blood tests and urinalysis. They also perform nerve conduction tests. These tests record the electrical activity of your muscles to identify nerve damage.

How is peripheral nerve disease treated?

Treatment of peripheral nerve disease depends on the severity of your symptoms and their effect on your quality of life. Your Pain Medicine of the South provider might recommend:

• Peripheral nerve stimulation
• Prescription pain relievers
• Anti-seizure medications
• Topical treatments
• Antidepressants
• Physical therapy

If you experience peripheral nerve disease because of a pinched nerve or a tumor, surgery might be necessary.

To explore the treatment options for peripheral nerve disease, make an appointment at Pain Medicine of the South. Call the office to speak with a staff member or click the online booking feature today.