Neuropathy Treatments in Joliet IL are available for people suffering from various forms of neuropathy. Neuropathy is a term commonly used to describe peripheral neuropathy which is essentially any condition where the nerves of the peripheral nervous system are damaged or disrupted. This network of nerves connects the central nervous system (CNS) to the rest of the body.
More than 100 different types of peripheral neuropathies have been identified. The symptoms associated with each neuropathy depends on which nerves are affected but typically people with neuropathy suffer from muscle pain. One of the most prevalent forms of neuropathy is that of diabetic neuropathy.
Over 20 million people in the United States have diabetes and over 60-percent of them experience some form of nerve damage. Thirty percent of diabetics over the age of 40 have diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN), according to the Center for Disease Control (CDC). People with DPN often describe it as a burning sensation starting at the toes and slowly progressing up the legs. For this reason, it is sometimes called “stocking glove neuropathy” since it feels like pulling on a glove.
People with DPN experience electrical-like pain and shooting sensations in their feet, often accompanied with tingling, numbing, or burning sensation as well. Sometimes just the toes may tingle or burn or one may experience sharp, stabbing pains into the legs. Even though there is no cure there are Neuropathy Treatments in Joliet IL that may help reduce some of the pain and symptoms.
Clinics like Suburban Foot & Ankle Associates in Joliet IL may offer pain relief through medication, therapy, or surgery. Medications are the primary treatment method for managing DPN pain. Tricyclic antidepressants such as amitriptyline and nortriptyline have been used with success to reduce pain aid with sleeping. Pregabalin, also known as Lyrica, is also prescribed for DPN and many patients feel it provides greater relief with fewer side effects.
Another type of Neuropathy Treatments in Joliet IL that has been successful is anodyne infrared therapy. The premise behind its use is that it increases the blood flow in the feet through light energy. It provides overall relief of the symptoms associated with DPN as well as treating diabetic ulcers. In general, treating DPN pain is challenging and typically a combination of therapies may be needed to achieve results. Visit website for more details.
