Neuropathy

Numbness, tingling, and muscle weakness are telltale signs of neuropathy. With a background in naturopathic medicine, the Bridge City Family Medical Clinic team provides comprehensive care for neuropathy at their clinic in Portland, Oregon. Early intervention is key when treating neuropathic pain and damage. Call the clinic today or schedule an appointment online to get the care you need.

What is neuropathy?

Neuropathy refers to nerve damage or dysfunction. Nerves play a crucial role in transmitting signals between different parts of the body and the central nervous system (the brain and spinal cord). They control many conscious and unconscious bodily functions, like blinking and moving. Damage to the nervous system can impair sensation, movement, and other essential functions.

While there are many forms of neuropathy, peripheral neuropathy is the most common type. Peripheral neuropathy affects the nerves outside of your brain and spinal cord. It can cause a range of symptoms that affect your sensory perception, motor function, and overall quality of life.

What does neuropathy feel like?

Neuropathy symptoms typically depend on the area of the body affected. Common signs of neuropathy include:

• Numbness or tingling in the arms, hands, legs, or feet
• Muscle cramping, twitching, or weakness
• Burning or shooting pain
• Poor coordination or balance
• Difficulty sweating
• Sleep changes
• Bladder incontinence
• Changes in temperature perception

If you have any of the above symptoms, the experienced providers at Bridge City Family Medical Clinic can perform comprehensive diagnostic testing to ensure you receive the appropriate treatment.

What triggers neuropathy?

Many medical conditions and injuries can cause neuropathy, including:

• Diabetes
• Kidney disease
• Compressed nerve
• Stroke
• Lupus
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Direct injury to the nerve

Diagnosing and managing your condition can help slow its progression, prevent complications, and relieve neuropathy symptoms. 

How do doctors diagnose neuropathy?

A complete medical history review, physical exam, and neurological exam are necessary to test your nerve function. Your Bridge City Family Medical Clinic provider may also refer you to a specialist for electromyography, imaging scans, and other nerve function tests to make an accurate diagnosis.

I have neuropathy. What are the most effective treatments?

Treating neuropathy involves a combination approach that includes lifestyle changes and medications. The Bridge City Family Medical Clinic team works with you to reduce your symptoms and slow your disease’s progression. The most effective treatments for neuropathy include:

• Antidepressants, amitriptyline, duloxetine, and other medications
• Weight loss
• Exercise
• Physiotherapy
• Nutrition counseling
• Herbal remedies
• B1 vitamin supplements
• Alpha-lipoic acid antioxidant supplements

If you have an underlying medical condition, like diabetes, your naturopathic provider may recommend foot care and blood sugar management to complement your treatment plan.

Call Bridge City Family Medical Clinic today or schedule an appointment online to learn more about neuropathy.