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What is Neuropathy? Understanding Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options

By Dr. Kert Howard May 15, 2025
Visual representation of nerve damage in neuropathy showing damaged peripheral nerves in the foot

If you're experiencing unexplained numbness, tingling, burning, or weakness in your extremities, you may be dealing with neuropathy. This often misunderstood condition affects millions of Americans, yet many suffer without proper diagnosis or effective treatment.

At Eagle Rock Neuropathy and Pain in Idaho Falls, we've helped thousands of patients find relief from neuropathic symptoms with our comprehensive approach, achieving a remarkable 90% success rate even for patients who have tried other treatments without success.

What is Neuropathy?

Neuropathy, or peripheral neuropathy, is a condition resulting from damage to the peripheral nervous system – the complex network of nerves that connects your central nervous system (brain and spinal cord) to the rest of your body. These damaged nerves can't properly transmit signals, leading to a variety of symptoms that can significantly impact quality of life.

The peripheral nervous system includes:

  • Sensory nerves that receive sensations like touch, temperature, and pain
  • Motor nerves that control muscle movement
  • Autonomic nerves that regulate functions like blood pressure, heart rate, digestion, and bladder function

Common Symptoms of Neuropathy

Symptoms vary depending on which types of nerves are affected. Most commonly, neuropathy begins in the feet and hands before potentially spreading to other areas. Signs to watch for include:

  • Numbness, tingling, or prickling sensations (often described as "pins and needles")
  • Burning pain or freezing sensations
  • Sharp, jabbing, shooting, or electric-like pain
  • Extreme sensitivity to touch
  • Muscle weakness or cramping
  • Coordination and balance problems
  • Difficulty sleeping due to feet and leg pain
  • Changes in blood pressure causing dizziness

These symptoms typically worsen at night and can progress over time if left untreated.

What Causes Neuropathy?

Neuropathy has numerous possible causes, including:

Diabetes

Diabetic neuropathy is one of the most common forms, affecting up to 50% of people with diabetes. High blood sugar levels damage nerves over time, particularly in the feet and legs.

Autoimmune Disorders

Conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, and Guillain-Barré syndrome can cause the immune system to attack nerve tissues.

Infections

Certain viral or bacterial infections, including shingles, Lyme disease, hepatitis C, HIV, and Epstein-Barr virus, can damage nerves.

Nutritional Deficiencies

Inadequate levels of vitamins B1, B6, B12, vitamin E, and niacin are linked to nerve damage.

Toxin Exposure

Heavy metals, industrial chemicals, and excessive alcohol consumption can contribute to neuropathy.

Medications

Certain medications, particularly some chemotherapy drugs, can cause neuropathy as a side effect.

Trauma or Pressure on Nerves

Physical injuries, repetitive motions, or prolonged pressure on nerves can lead to neuropathy.

Idiopathic Causes

In approximately 30% of cases, no specific cause can be identified, which is called idiopathic neuropathy.

Our Approach to Neuropathy Treatment

At Eagle Rock Neuropathy and Pain, we understand that effective neuropathy treatment requires addressing the root causes, not just masking symptoms. Our comprehensive approach includes:

Advanced Diagnostic Testing

We utilize state-of-the-art diagnostic tools to precisely evaluate nerve function and pinpoint the specific type and cause of your neuropathy.

Customized Treatment Protocols

Based on your unique condition, we create personalized treatment plans that may include:

  • Neuromodulation therapy to stimulate nerve regeneration
  • Specialized physical therapy to improve mobility and strength
  • Nutritional counseling to address deficiencies and support nerve health
  • Advanced pain management techniques that don't rely on addictive medications
  • Regenerative medicine approaches to promote natural healing

Ready to Find Relief from Neuropathy?

Don't let neuropathy symptoms control your life any longer. Our specialized approach has helped thousands of patients in Idaho Falls, Shelley, Blackfoot, Pocatello, Rexburg, Rigby, and Ririe find lasting relief.

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Living with Neuropathy: Self-Care Strategies

While professional treatment is essential for addressing the underlying causes of neuropathy, these self-care measures can help manage symptoms:

  • Maintain healthy blood sugar levels if you have diabetes
  • Exercise regularly to improve circulation and strengthen muscles
  • Eat a balanced diet rich in B vitamins, antioxidants, and healthy fats
  • Avoid excessive alcohol consumption
  • Quit smoking, which can worsen circulation problems
  • Protect your feet by wearing proper footwear and inspecting them daily
  • Manage stress, which can exacerbate pain

Conclusion

Neuropathy doesn't have to mean a lifetime of pain and limitations. With proper diagnosis and our comprehensive treatment approach, many patients experience significant improvement in their symptoms and quality of life.

If you're struggling with symptoms of neuropathy, don't wait for the condition to worsen. Contact our Idaho Falls clinic today to schedule a consultation with our neuropathy specialists. With our 90% success rate, we're confident we can help you find the relief you deserve.

Frequently Asked Questions About Neuropathy

What exactly is neuropathy?

Neuropathy is a condition that occurs when peripheral nerves are damaged or dysfunctional, causing numbness, pain, and weakness. It most commonly affects the hands and feet but can impact other parts of the body. The condition disrupts the normal transmission of signals between the body and brain.

What are the most common causes of neuropathy?

The most common causes of neuropathy include diabetes (diabetic neuropathy), chemotherapy treatments, injuries, infections, vitamin deficiencies (particularly B vitamins), autoimmune disorders, and certain medications. In some cases, the cause remains unknown (idiopathic neuropathy).

What treatment options are available for neuropathy?

Treatment options for neuropathy include medications to manage symptoms, physical therapy, lifestyle modifications, nutritional support, advanced neuromodulation therapies, and regenerative medicine approaches. At Eagle Rock Neuropathy and Pain, we use a comprehensive approach that addresses the root causes of neuropathy, not just the symptoms, resulting in our 90% success rate.

Is neuropathy reversible?

The reversibility of neuropathy depends on its cause and severity. In many cases, especially when caught early, neuropathy symptoms can be significantly improved or even reversed with proper treatment. Our specialized protocols at Eagle Rock Neuropathy and Pain focus on nerve regeneration and restoration of function, offering hope even for cases that other approaches have failed to help.

Ready to Start Your Path to Recovery?

Our specialized neuropathy treatments have helped thousands of patients in Idaho Falls and surrounding areas find relief when other approaches have failed.