Peripheral Neuropathy

Peripheral neuropathy is a condition in which the nerves in our body are damaged or not working correctly. The type of nerve damage may distinguish different peripheral neuropathies, as well as the cause of the nerve damage, or the pattern of nerve damage.

Approximately 21 million Americans are affected by peripheral neuropathy. Although only 30% of peripheral neuropathy is caused by diabetes, diabetes still remains the leading cause of peripheral neuropathy. Peripheral is a term used for the most distal (the nerves in your body, aside from your spinal cord and brain, further down) nerves in our body including those in our feet or hands. A polyneuropathy is a neuropathy pattern, whereby the nerve damage initially starts in both feet and may progress to involve the feet, calves, and fingers/hands.

Signs & Symptoms

There are common peripheral neuropathy signs and symptoms shared by most individuals. The symptoms of peripheral neuropathy start in the toes and feet. In some patients, the symptoms gradually rise up the calves and into the knees. This is called a stocking pattern. Then, the symptoms may also begin in the fingers and hands — causing a glove pattern. It cannot be predicted how the symptoms will spread. In some patients, the pain does not spread beyond the toes or feet; in others, the progression to calves and hands occurs in rapidly; and yet in others the spread is very gradual, over many years.


Diagnosing Peripheral Neuropathy

Most often, a doctor should be able to diagnose peripheral neuropathy solely on a patient's description of his/her symptoms, and a simple neurological examination. Many people with peripheral neuropathy may not even have any symptoms of peripheral neuropathy; in this case a doctor may order special nerve tests, Electromyography (EMG) and or Nerve Conduction Velocity testing (NCV). The EMG or NCV are special muscle and nerve tests that determine whether you have peripheral neuropathy, the specific nerves involved, and the severity of your peripheral neuropathy.


Why People Choose CIN

At CIN, our doctors will make certain to diagnose you and offer you the newest and most innovative technology available. At our clinic, we mainly focus on conservative and holistic therapies that are the least invasive. Our therapies are successful in dealing with your acute and chronic pain. To relieve peripheral neuropathy, we use a combination of therapies centered around improving circulation in the affected areas. Dr. Shawn VanWinkle incorporates brain exercises in conjunction with electrical stimulation to activate peripheral nerves, spinal cord and brain to reduce pain and symptoms. We encourage you to take advantage of the services we are offering at our clinic to get the relief you so need today.

Colorado Integrative Neurology specializes in holistic therapies for a variety of neurological and musculoskeletal conditions. This includes patients who suffer from concussions, vertigo, chronic pain, headaches and more. Meet our team and request an appointment with CIN today.

Request a Free Discovery Session

With a free discovery session at Colorado Integrative Neurology, you will get a chance to discuss your case with the doctor and will walk away empowered with a clear understanding of how we can help you. We will ensure your questions and concerns are heard and addressed and will offer recommendations if we are not the right fit for you. Request a session with CIN today.