Neuropathy

Up to 20 million Americans suffer from neuropathy due to diabetes, autoimmune disease, and other health problems. At his practice in Kyle, Floresville, La Vernia, and Gonzales, Texas, fellowship-trained interventional pain management specialist Eric Miller, MD, offers cutting-edge care for neuropathy with multi-wave locked system (MLS) laser therapy and other minimally invasive treatments. Call the office of Dr. Eric Miller, MD, today to schedule neuropathy treatment, or book your appointment online. 

My hands and feet feel like they’re burning. Could it be neuropathy?

It’s likely. Neuropathy refers to several nerve diseases that affect the function of the nerves outside the brain and spinal cord (peripheral nerves). Nerve damage affects your nerves’ ability to communicate effectively with your brain, triggering various uncomfortable symptoms. 

There’s no cure for neuropathy, but intervention and treatment can slow its progression, relieve symptoms, and improve your quality of life. 

What are the symptoms of neuropathy?

Neuropathy symptoms include:

• Muscle weakness and paralysis
• Muscle atrophy
• Muscle spasms
• Tingling
• Numbness
• Loss of balance
• Clumsiness
• Pain
• Blood pressure changes

As neuropathy worsens, you might develop bowel and bladder problems or blurry vision.

Should I see a pain management specialist about neuropathy symptoms?

Yes. If you develop any symptoms listed above that last a week or longer, contact Dr. Miller immediately. The sooner you receive a diagnosis, the sooner you can take steps to stop the damage from worsening. 

Though anyone can develop neuropathy, it’s most common in people with underlying medical conditions, like diabetes, poor circulation, and vitamin or nutrient deficiencies.

How does a pain management specialist diagnose neuropathy?

Dr. Miller reviews your medical records and asks about your symptoms, including what they feel like, where they occur, and if they’re worse at certain times. Then, he completes a physical and a neurological exam, checking your reflexes, muscle strength, and balance.

If he suspects you have neuropathy, Dr. Miller orders several diagnostic tests, including blood work and an electromyogram. Blood work analyzes your blood for potential toxins or nutrient imbalances, while an electromyogram measures your muscle’s response to electrical stimulation.

How does a pain management specialist treat neuropathy?

Dr. Miller treats neuropathy using a conservative and integrative approach. He might suggest:

• Prescription medication
• Physical therapy
• Medical devices like braces, canes, or walkers
• Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation
• Radiofrequency ablation
• Multiwave locked system (MLS) laser treatments

Dr. Miller often encourages healthy lifestyle changes alongside these treatments. For example, if diabetes is responsible for your neuropathy, it’s critical to exercise regularly, eat a balanced diet, and take steps to keep your blood sugar in check.

Call the office of Dr. Eric Miller, MD, today to explore the treatments for neuropathy, or book your appointment online.