Neuropathy Treatment in Kansas City

Sometimes. When the cause can be treated, such as a vitamin deficiency or a medication side effect, symptoms may improve once it is addressed. Nerves heal slowly and some damage is permanent, but treatment can still reduce pain and protect function. Physical therapy for strength and balance is often part of the plan.

Neuropathy is nerve damage or dysfunction that causes abnormal pain signals and altered sensation. It most often affects the peripheral nerves, usually in the hands and feet.

Tingling, numbness, burning or a pins-and-needles feeling. Symptoms can slowly spread, so it helps to have them checked early.

Neuropathy pain starts when nerves are damaged or irritated. Common causes include diabetes, nerve injury or compression, vitamin B12 deficiency, certain medications such as chemotherapy, heavy alcohol use, infections, autoimmune disorders and inherited conditions. Sometimes no specific cause is found. A pain physician looks for the cause first, because treating it can reduce pain.

Many people notice nerve pain more at night, when there are fewer distractions. If pain keeps you awake, tell your doctor. Poor sleep is one sign it may be time to see a specialist.

No. Diabetes is a leading cause, but neuropathy can also come from injury, vitamin deficiencies, chemotherapy, infections, autoimmune disease and inherited conditions. Sometimes no specific cause is found.

Peripheral neuropathy is damage to the nerves outside the brain and spinal cord. Diabetic neuropathy is peripheral neuropathy caused by long-term high blood sugar, and it is one of the most common types. Read more about diabetic neuropathy.

A doctor starts with your history and a physical exam. You may also have blood tests, nerve conduction studies and EMG, or imaging to look for the cause. New patient forms are online.

A primary care doctor or neurologist usually diagnoses it, and other specialists, such as a podiatrist, may help depending on where symptoms occur. A pain management physician is the one to see for neuropathy treatment when nerve pain persists despite first treatments. A good neuropathy doctor starts by looking for the cause. Many patients see more than one.

Kansas Pain Management physicians treat neuropathy at offices in Overland Park, Roeland Park, Lawrence, Leavenworth, Belton and Lee’s Summit, and offer telemedicine visits. See all locations or call (913) 339-9437.

When pain persists despite initial treatment, disturbs your sleep or daily activities, or keeps getting worse. With diabetes and new numbness or tingling, get checked soon. Sudden weakness needs urgent medical care.

For some people, yes. In a randomized trial of 216 people with painful diabetic neuropathy whose medicines had failed, 79% who added 10 kHz spinal cord stimulation to usual care reached at least 50% pain relief, versus 5% on usual care alone. The study tested one device and was funded by its maker. The FDA approved that system for painful diabetic neuropathy in 2021. Stimulation always starts with a trial of about a week.

We accept Medicare and most major plans. See accepted insurance plans. Some procedures need prior authorization, which our team requests for you. Call (913) 339-9437 to confirm your plan.