Understanding Peripheral Neuropathy: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options in Vernon Hills IL

Struggling with peripheral neuropathy in Vernon Hills IL? Peripheral neuropathy refers to damage or dysfunction of the peripheral nervous system, which includes the nerves that connect the brain and spinal cord to the rest of the body. These nerves help control everything from sensory input (such as touch and temperature) to motor function (movement) and autonomic processes like blood pressure and digestion.

There are three main types of peripheral nerves:

• Sensory nerves – affect how you feel pain, temperature, or touch
• Motor nerves – control muscle movement
• Autonomic nerves – regulate involuntary functions like heart rate, digestion, and blood pressure

Peripheral neuropathy may affect one nerve (mononeuropathy), multiple nerves in different areas (multiple mononeuropathy), or many nerves throughout the body (polyneuropathy).

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Common Causes

Peripheral neuropathy has many potential causes. Some of the most common include:

• Diabetes (especially when poorly managed)
• Autoimmune conditions (e.g., lupus, rheumatoid arthritis)
• Vitamin deficiencies (especially B vitamins)
• Chronic alcohol use
• Infections (e.g., Lyme disease, shingles, HIV)
• Toxin exposure (including certain chemotherapy drugs)
• Traumatic injuries or repetitive stress
• Genetic or inherited disorders

In some cases, the exact cause cannot be determined—a condition known as idiopathic neuropathy.

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Symptoms of Peripheral Neuropathy

Peripheral neuropathy can cause a wide range of symptoms, depending on which nerves are affected. Symptoms often begin gradually and may start in the hands or feet, progressing upward as the condition worsens.

Common symptoms include:

• Numbness or tingling in the hands or feet
• Burning or shooting pain, often described as sharp or electric
• Increased sensitivity to touch
• Muscle weakness or loss of coordination
• Balance problems or frequent falls
• Cramping or twitching muscles
• Changes in skin, hair, or nail texture

If the autonomic nerves are involved, patients may also experience:

• Dizziness or lightheadedness when standing
• Digestive issues (nausea, constipation, diarrhea)
• Abnormal sweating patterns
• Heart rate irregularities or blood pressure changes

Symptoms can be intermittent or constant and often become more intense over time if the underlying cause is not addressed.

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How Is Peripheral Neuropathy Diagnosed in Vernon Hills IL?

Diagnosis typically involves a combination of:

• Medical history and symptom review
• Neurological examination (testing strength, reflexes, coordination, and sensation)
• Electrodiagnostic tests such as EMG (electromyography) or nerve conduction studies
• Blood work to check for vitamin deficiencies, autoimmune markers, or metabolic disorders
• In some cases, imaging studies or nerve biopsy may be used to evaluate structural or inflammatory changes

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Treatment Options for Peripheral Neuropathy

Effective treatment focuses on managing the underlying cause, relieving symptoms, and preventing further nerve damage.

1. Medical Management

• Controlling blood sugar in diabetic patients is essential
• Addressing vitamin deficiencies (e.g., B12 supplementation)
• Adjusting medications if a drug is causing nerve damage
• Treating any underlying autoimmune or infectious disease

2. Medications for Symptom Relief

• Anticonvulsants (like gabapentin or pregabalin)
• Tricyclic antidepressants (e.g., amitriptyline)
• SNRIs (like duloxetine)
• Topical creams containing capsaicin or lidocaine
• Pain relievers (used carefully to avoid dependency)

3. Physical Therapy

Physical therapy can be a critical part of managing peripheral neuropathy—especially when muscle weakness, balance issues, or gait instability are present.

• Improving strength and coordination
• Enhancing balance to reduce fall risk
• Promoting mobility with gait training and assistive devices
• Using electrical stimulation or manual therapy to reduce discomfort and improve nerve function

4. Lifestyle and Complementary Therapies

• Dietary adjustments to support nerve health
• Regular, low-impact exercise like walking or swimming
• Acupuncture or massage therapy (as adjunct treatments)
• Smoking cessation and alcohol moderation to prevent further nerve damage

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Benefits of Early and Comprehensive Treatment

Early diagnosis and treatment of peripheral neuropathy can lead to significant improvements in:

• Pain control
• Mobility and independence
• Sleep and emotional well-being
• Muscle tone and joint flexibility
• Prevention of further nerve damage

Physical therapy not only helps patients maintain strength and range of motion but also reduces the risk of falls—a major concern for older adults or those with balance deficits. Over time, a personalized treatment plan can help restore confidence in movement and support a more active, fulfilling lifestyle.

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When to Seek Medical Help

If you're experiencing unexplained numbness, tingling, weakness, or chronic pain in your hands or feet, it's important to get evaluated by a medical professional. At Integral Medical & Rehabilitation, we offer thorough evaluations and personalized care plans to help manage nerve-related symptoms and improve your quality of life.