How to Know if Your Peripheral Nerves Are Damaged
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The peripheral nerves are responsible for transmitting information from various areas of the body to the brain and back again. Unfortunately, damage to these nerves can cause issues like shooting pain, numbness and tingling, muscle weakness, and more. The orthopedic surgeons at Precision Surgery Center of Napa Valley are proud to offer minimally invasive ways to treat damaged nerves and relieve unwanted symptoms.
Below, we’ll discuss some signs that indicate whether your peripheral nerves have sustained damage. Our Napa, CA professionals are trained in the latest treatments to ensure effective and lasting results.
What causes damage to the peripheral nerves?
Peripheral nerves can sustain damage from trauma due to an accident or a medical condition like carpal tunnel syndrome, diabetes, and Guillain-Barre syndrome. Autoimmune diseases like lupus and rheumatoid arthritis also damage the nerves over time.
Patients can manage their health and take measures to protect their peripheral nerves, such as eating a well-balanced diet and exercising regularly. However, it's not always possible to prevent this issue. Learning the causes and symptoms of peripheral nerve damage goes a long way in maintaining your overall health.
What are the signs of peripheral nerve damage?
Pain is the most common symptom of peripheral nerve damage. It ranges from shooting pain to burning or aching in the affected areas. Depending on the amount of damage involved, pain can manifest itself anywhere in the body.
Other symptoms include numbness, tingling, and loss of sensation in the extremities, making it challenging to perform specific exercises or activities. People also have difficulty holding onto or gripping objects, and muscle weakness may be present.
Anyone experiencing these issues should seek medical attention as soon as possible. We can assess your condition and treat nerve damage through minimally invasive procedures. Our team in Napa, CA can alleviate pain, improve mobility, and restore your independence.
How is peripheral damage treated?
Treatment for peripheral nerve damage depends on the type, severity, and underlying cause of the condition. We may begin with EMG (electromyography), which measures your muscle response to nerve stimulation. This helps us pinpoint the problem and determine the best course of action moving forward.
For example, if the issue is a compressed nerve due to trauma, we may suggest surgery to open up the area and release the pressure. Small sections of the nerve can also be removed if the damage is irreversible. Regardless of the cause, our team is equipped to provide the latest treatments and technologies available.
Can damaged peripheral nerves heal on their own?
Peripheral nerves are able to heal and repair themselves in some cases. Of course, it can take a while for the body to restore nerve tissue, and the process is not always successful. When the problem is caused by a trauma or medical condition, it’s important to get timely treatment from experienced professionals. Precision Surgery Center of Napa Valley is here to help you find relief.
Treat peripheral nerve damage with our help
Pain, numbness, tingling, muscle weakness, and loss of sensation in the extremities are all classic signs of peripheral nerve damage. If you experience any of these symptoms, we invite you to contact Precision Surgery Center of Napa Valley. Our orthopedic surgeons in Napa, CA can provide specialized treatments for restoring nerve function and improving your quality of life.