Neuropathy is most commonly associated with a diagnosis of diabetes. However, there can be many conditions in which peripheral neuropathy may result. Knowing the signs and symptoms of neuropathy can help you to know how to identify the condition and seek treatment from your doctor when needed. For neuropathy treatment in the Rockford, IL area including Janesville, Beloit, Roscoe, Rockton, Cherry Valley, Belvidere, Sycamore, Dekalb, and Byron, IL, consider reaching out to Next Level Medical Centers.
What Is Neuropathy?
Neuropathy, also referred to as peripheral neuropathy, is a condition that results from damage to the peripheral nerves, or the nerves outside of the brain and spinal cord. Peripheral nerves send information from your brain and spinal cord to the rest of your body for movement, as well as sensory information from your skin and muscles back to the brain and spinal cord in the central nervous system. Most often, neuropathy occurs in the feet or hands and occurs as a result of certain conditions, such as diabetes, autoimmune diseases, traumatic injuries, inherited disorders, infections, tumors, or metabolic diseases. Luckily, regardless of the cause, there are options available for neuropathy treatment in Rockford, IL.
Signs & Symptoms
Because neuropathy affects the peripheral nerves, the signs and symptoms of this condition are usually varied depending on which nerves are affected in different areas of the body. For example, the most common symptom of neuropathy is numbness and tingling in your hands and feet, as the nerves responsible for sensation are commonly affected. Other signs and symptoms of altered sensation include sharp, jabbing, throbbing, or burning pain and extreme sensitivity to touch. If motor nerves are affected, signs and symptoms of neuropathy include muscle weakness, lack of coordination, increased falls, and sometimes even paralysis. If autonomic nerves are affected, you may experience increased sweating or lack of sweating, heat intolerance, dizziness, or lightheadedness due to changes in blood pressure, bowel or bladder problems, or digestive issues.
Treatment Options
If you are experiencing any of the above signs of neuropathy, contact your doctor right away as early diagnosis and treatment offer the best chance for you to control your symptoms long-term and prevent future injury. For neuropathy treatment in the Rockford, IL area including Janesville, Beloit, Roscoe, Rockton, Cherry Valley, Belvidere, Sycamore, Dekalb, and Byron, IL, call Next Level Medical Centers at (815) 708-6195.