Peripheral neuropathy refers to conditions involving the peripheral nerves, which carry information between the brain and spinal cord and the rest of the body.

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When these nerves are damaged or not functioning normally, a person may experience changes in sensation, strength, coordination, or other functions.

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Peripheral neuropathy can affect different nerves and areas of the body. Symptoms frequently occur in the feet, legs, hands, or arms.

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The experience can also vary considerably from person to person. Some people primarily notice numbness or tingling, while others experience burning pain, sensitivity, weakness, or a combination of symptoms.

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Common Symptoms of Peripheral Neuropathy

Peripheral neuropathy symptoms depend on the nerves affected and the underlying cause.

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Common symptoms may include:

• Burning sensations

• Numbness

• Tingling or "pins and needles"

• Sharp or shooting pain

• Increased sensitivity to touch

• Reduced sensation in the feet or hands

• Muscle weakness

• Balance difficulties

• Changes in coordination

• Unusual sensations in the toes, feet, fingers, or hands

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Some people experience relatively mild symptoms, while others find that neuropathy significantly interferes with walking, sleeping, exercising, working, or other everyday activities.

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Burning, Numbness, and Tingling in the Feet

Burning or tingling feet are among the symptoms commonly associated with peripheral neuropathy.

Some people describe the sensation as pins and needles. Others experience numbness, electrical sensations, sensitivity, or burning discomfort that becomes particularly noticeable at night.

These symptoms should not automatically be assumed to be neuropathy.

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Numbness, burning, and tingling can have multiple potential causes, which makes an appropriate evaluation important. Understanding what may be contributing to your symptoms can help determine the appropriate next step.

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What Causes Peripheral Neuropathy?

Peripheral neuropathy can have many possible causes.

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According to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, peripheral neuropathy may be associated with diabetes, physical injury, autoimmune conditions, infections, certain medications, nutritional deficiencies, inherited disorders, and other medical conditions. In some cases, the cause may not be immediately identifiable.

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Because there are many potential causes of neuropathy symptoms, treatment should not simply focus on masking discomfort without considering the underlying condition.

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Patients may also need evaluation or ongoing treatment from their primary care physician or another medical specialist depending on the cause of their neuropathy.

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Peripheral Neuropathy Treatment Options in Honolulu

There is no single peripheral neuropathy treatment that is appropriate for every patient.

Treatment depends on factors such as the underlying cause, nerves involved, severity and duration of symptoms, medical history, and other health conditions.

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At The Arthritis Laser Treatment Center, Dr. Alosa focuses on conservative approaches to helping patients manage certain symptoms associated with peripheral neuropathy.

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Depending on your individual evaluation, treatment recommendations may incorporate therapies available at our Honolulu office, including Hako Med Horizontal Therapy, laser therapy, chiropractic care, or other conservative approaches when appropriate.

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Treatment recommendations are individualized rather than using the same protocol for every patient.

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Hako Med Horizontal Therapy for Neuropathy

The Arthritis Laser Treatment Center offers Hako Med Horizontal Therapy in Honolulu.

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Horizontal Therapy is a form of electrotherapy that uses electrical frequencies as part of a non-invasive treatment approach. Dr. Alosa may consider this therapy for certain patients experiencing chronic pain or neuropathy-related symptoms.

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Whether Hako Med therapy is appropriate depends on the individual patient's condition, health history, symptoms, and other factors.

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If it is recommended as part of your treatment plan, Dr. Alosa can explain how the therapy works and what to expect during treatment.

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Can Laser Therapy Be Used for Peripheral Neuropathy?

Laser therapy is another non-invasive treatment available at The Arthritis Laser Treatment Center.

 

Therapeutic laser treatment uses specific wavelengths of light that are applied to targeted areas of the body. Depending on the patient's condition, Dr. Alosa may consider laser therapy as part of a broader conservative treatment approach.

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Not everyone experiencing neuropathy symptoms is necessarily a candidate for laser therapy.

An evaluation can help determine whether laser treatment, Hako Med therapy, another approach, or referral to another healthcare professional may be appropriate.

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Why Identifying the Cause of Neuropathy Matters

Treating neuropathy is not simply about determining where the symptoms hurt.

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Peripheral neuropathy can result from many different medical conditions, and addressing the underlying cause may be an important part of managing the condition.

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For example, a patient experiencing neuropathy associated with diabetes may require ongoing medical management of their diabetes in addition to treatments directed toward neuropathy symptoms.

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Someone experiencing nerve symptoms after an injury may require a different approach.

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This is why patients should avoid assuming that every burning, numb, or tingling sensation has the same cause.

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When Should You Seek Care for Neuropathy Symptoms?

Occasional tingling caused by temporarily putting pressure on a nerve is common. Persistent or recurring symptoms, however, may warrant professional evaluation.

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Consider seeking care if you are experiencing:

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• Persistent numbness in your feet or hands

• Recurring burning sensations

• Tingling that continues or becomes worse

• Pain that interferes with sleep

• Difficulty walking because of changes in sensation

• Muscle weakness

• Balance problems

• Increasing sensitivity in the feet or hands

• Symptoms affecting everyday activities

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Sudden weakness, significant loss of coordination, new severe symptoms, or other concerning neurological changes may require prompt medical evaluation.

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What Happens If Neuropathy Is Left Untreated?

The course of peripheral neuropathy varies considerably depending on its cause.

Some forms may remain relatively stable, while others can progress over time. Reduced sensation can also create additional concerns because a person may not immediately recognize injuries to an affected area.

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This can be particularly important when neuropathy affects the feet.

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If you have persistent symptoms, identifying the possible cause and understanding your treatment options can be an important first step.

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What to Expect at Your First Visit

Your first visit at The Arthritis Laser Treatment Center begins with an evaluation of your symptoms and health history.

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Dr. Alosa may ask questions about:

• Where you experience symptoms

• Whether you have burning, numbness, tingling, or pain

• When your symptoms began

• Whether symptoms are constant or intermittent

• What makes your symptoms better or worse

• Previous diagnoses or injuries

• Treatments you have already tried

• Medical conditions that may be contributing to your symptoms

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This information can help determine whether the conservative therapies offered at our office may be appropriate for you.

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When necessary, patients may also be encouraged to seek evaluation or continued care from another appropriate medical provider.

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Why Choose The Arthritis Laser Treatment Center for Neuropathy Care?

At The Arthritis Laser Treatment Center, Dr. Jeremy Alosa provides individualized care for patients exploring conservative options for neuropathy symptoms, arthritis, chronic pain, and other musculoskeletal conditions.

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Our Honolulu office provides access to multiple non-invasive treatment approaches, including Hako Med Horizontal Therapy and therapeutic laser treatment.

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Rather than assuming that every patient's symptoms have the same cause, treatment recommendations are based on the individual's history, symptoms, and evaluation.

Our office is conveniently located in the Ala Moana Building at 1441 Kapiolani Blvd., Suite 513, Honolulu, HI 96814, near Ala Moana Center.