What are the Different Types of Neuropathy?

Neuropathy is an umbrella term that includes several different disorders. However, all of the conditions that fall under the tree of neuropathy involve damage to the peripheral nerve system. These are the different types of neuropathy — and how we treat them. 

When you come to Texas Spine and Sports Therapy Center, we can help you diagnose and treat all of the major types of neuropathy. Depending on what is causing your neuropathy, you may be able to eliminate the condition completely or control it with regular treatments.

The Main Types of Neuropathy

The main types of this condition are: 

Polyneuropathy 

When damage irritates all of your peripheral nerves or a number of them, it’s considered polyneuropathy regardless of the cause. Healthline explains that polyneuropathy is a condition that affects the nerves in your skin, muscles, and organs. Further, within polyneuropathy, lie two different categories: acute and chronic. 

• Acute: this form happens when your symptoms come on suddenly and are severe. It is most common when you have an underlying infection or autoimmune disease that is causing nerve damage. In many cases, acute forms of this condition can be treated successfully in a short amount of time. 
• Chronic: chronic forms happen when your symptoms have lasted over a prolonged time period and couldn’t be treated quickly. While it’s not always easy to find the cause of chronic polyneuropathy, it sometimes can be attributed to underlying conditions, like diabetes or kidney failure. 

Mononeuropathy 

Mononeuropathy is what it is called when a single nerve is damaged. This damage, Cleveland Clinic explains, can cause pain, loss of movement, and/or numbness. Mononeuropathy happens when the covering of the nerve or part of the cell is damaged, which prevents that nerve from sending signals. Additionally, they further explain that the most common nerves affected by this type of neuropathy are the:

• Median nerve in the wrist (carpal tunnel syndrome)
• Ulnar nerve in the elbow
• Radial nerve in the upper arm
• Peroneal nerve near the knee 
• Lateral femoral cutaneous nerve found in the legs 

Multiple Mononeuropathy 

As its name suggests, these conditions involve damage to two separate peripheral nerves at the same time. To explain, these are the nerves outside the brain and spinal cord. MedlinePlus mentions that certain diseases can cause injury or nerve damage that can cause multiple mononeuropathy. To explain, common conditions can include:

• Blood vessel diseases 
• Connective tissue diseases
• Diabetes

Additionally, some forms of neuropathy cause inflammation constantly, leading to chronic pain and fatigue. Others only trigger symptoms when irritated by exercise or poor posture, while a few come and go at random. 

Common Symptoms of Neuropathy

Serious cases of nerve compression or damage can cause paralyzation, loss of consciousness, or breathing problems. However, these severe cases are extremely rare. The most common forms of peripheral neuropathy trigger symptoms like:

• Foot & ankle pain
• Inflammation in the knees, calves, or shoulders
• Limited range of movement
• Numbness & tingling in the extremities and limbs
• Weakness or tremors
• Headaches & migraines
• Chronic pain & fatigue
• Stiff neck muscles

Treatments for Neuropathy 

Due to the fact that there are several different causes of neuropathy, it’s likely that any one of Texas Spine and Sports Therapy Center’s services could help relieve your symptoms. First, electrostimulation and massage could help manage your symptoms without medication. Second, treatments like chiropractic adjustment, physical therapy, and inflammation injections could work to relieve the pain over longer periods of time. 

Many patients have found the following treatments the most helpful with their symptoms:

• High Frequency LED treatment: This is the most advanced light therapy available to increase microcirculation, help release nitric oxide from red blood cells and help the nerve to heal.
• NVP8500/EPS8000 treatment: This high tech treatment is designed to improve circulation and motor function in the peripheral nerve to help the nerve function again.
• Oxygen with exercise: The brain and nerves need food and activation to repair and start functioning again.
• Deep vibration: Vibration therapy applied to the feet to activate the nerve.
• Neuromuscular re-education: High tech equipment is utilized to activate the nerve and provide shear stress to the leg and foot.
• Functional neurology: Functional therapy for the brain and nervous system.

Make an Appointment with Texas Spine and Sports Therapy Center

If you are having foot and ankle pain, limited range of movement, numbness in your limbs, weakness, or chronic pain and fatigue, call our office for an appointment today: (512)-806-0015. Our innovative Austin, Texas office provides individualized treatment plants for neuropathy patients. We’re here for you!