What is peripheral neuropathy?
Peripheral neuropathy is damage to the peripheral nerves — the network that carries signals between your brain and spinal cord and the rest of your body. When these nerves are damaged, the messages get disrupted, leading to abnormal sensations, pain, or weakness, most often in the hands and feet. Because neuropathy has many possible causes, an accurate diagnosis is the foundation of effective treatment.
Symptoms of neuropathy
- Numbness or reduced sensation, often starting in the feet or hands.
- Tingling or "pins and needles."
- Burning, sharp, or shooting pain.
- Sensitivity to touch or a feeling of wearing invisible gloves or socks.
- Muscle weakness or balance problems that increase the risk of falls.
Common causes
Neuropathy can result from many conditions. Diabetes is one of the most common causes; others include nerve compression or injury, vitamin deficiencies, certain medications, infections, and autoimmune conditions. Sometimes no single cause is found. Identifying what's driving your neuropathy guides the most effective treatment.
How we diagnose neuropathy
Our neurology team, led by Dr. Jarod John, begins with a neurological exam and history. To measure how well your nerves and muscles are working, we use:
- Electromyography (EMG) — measures the electrical activity in your muscles.
- Nerve conduction studies — check how well and how fast your nerves send signals.
These tests help identify the type, location, and severity of nerve involvement.
Treatment options
Treatment focuses on two goals: addressing the underlying cause when possible, and relieving symptoms. This may include managing contributing conditions, medications for nerve pain, and supportive strategies to protect your feet and improve balance. For certain chronic, hard-to-treat nerve pain, advanced options such as spinal cord stimulation may be considered with our pain management team.
Request an appointment or call (717) 358-0800 to have your symptoms evaluated by our neurology team.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
What are the symptoms of peripheral neuropathy?
Peripheral neuropathy often causes numbness, tingling, burning, or 'pins and needles,' usually starting in the feet or hands. It can also cause sharp or shooting pain, sensitivity to touch, muscle weakness, and balance problems.
What causes neuropathy?
Neuropathy has many causes. Diabetes is among the most common; others include nerve compression or injury, vitamin deficiencies, certain medications, infections, autoimmune conditions, and sometimes no identifiable cause. Finding the underlying cause is central to treatment.
How is neuropathy diagnosed?
Diagnosis begins with a neurological exam and history. We use electromyography (EMG) and nerve conduction studies to measure how well the nerves and muscles are working, which helps identify the type and location of nerve involvement.
Can neuropathy be treated?
Yes. Treatment focuses on managing the underlying cause when possible and relieving symptoms with medications and other strategies. For certain chronic nerve pain, advanced options such as spinal cord stimulation may be considered. Call (717) 358-0800 to schedule an evaluation in Lancaster, PA.
Find out what's behind the numbness or tingling
Our neurology team will identify the cause of your nerve symptoms and build a plan to manage them. Schedule an evaluation today.
Request an Appointment Call (717) 358-0800