What kind of doctor to see for neuropathy?

When you start experiencing pain, numbness or tingling sensations in your hands, feet, toes or fingers that continually worsen over time, it’s highly probable that you have neuropathy. But before you go on a wild goose chase trying to find the right specialist who can help, hold your horses! We’re here with a concise guide to help you identify what kind of doctor can best suit your needs for treating peripheral neuropathies.

Why Are There So Many Different Types Of Doctors For One Problem?

The first question people often wonder is how can there be so many different types of doctors for one medical issue? Don’t they all deal with the same health problems? The answer is surprisingly simple:
Each specialty has their own expertise and focus on certain areas within healthcare.
For instance: neurologists focus mostly on disorders related to the nervous system such as sciatica pain & carpal tunnel syndrome while podiatrists will more likely concern themselves with foot & ankle issues.

Let’s get started by discussing some of the most common medical professionals who specialize in nerve damage treatment:

Neurologist

A neurologist typically specializes in diseases and disorders related to neurons (nerve cells) like Parkinsons disease, Multiple Sclerosis (MS), Epilepsy etc. They use various tests such as spinal taps and electromyograms (EMGs) which help them carefully diagnose any abnormalities starting from CNS tilting towards PNS.
Neurological evaluation may aid in determining if an underlying disorder is causing peripheral symptoms that could lead meandering nerves.

P.S. Turns out every kid exposed later hours at night browsing through web md grows up curious enough about diagnosis methods!

Pain Management Specialist

While we often think “pain” solely refers discomforting feeling but it not only includes physical sensation but also associated emotional & psychological turmoil. A chronic pain specialist supports their patients in coping with both the psychological & realistic aspects of neuropathy.

Physical Therapist

Physical therapy may seem like a less conventional answer, but opting for PT sessions can be very helpful.
Physical therapists are adept at catering to patients who want to make use of non-invasive therapy methods in order to cope up and relieve (1) any kind of muscle-joint problem. They aid by creating tailored exercises suited for each patient’s body that caters specific nerves or muscles affected.

Endocrinologist

Chronic nerve damage is most commonly seen amongst those suffering from diabetes; this way an endocrinologist is likely your optimal choice. As there is a strong correlation between sugar and the nervous system – monitoring & management of blood glucose levels may help stave off peripheral neuropathy onset.

Rheumatologists

If symptoms cluster around joints with possible diagnosis such as arthritic inflammation; rheumatic disorders – inflammatory arthritis might be an underlying cause leading towards following multiple manifestations including peripheral neuropathies. Taking support from a rheumatologist will aide in quick identification and establishment of underlying metabolic/inflammatory based causes prior treatment plan formulation..

Now let’s dive deep into understanding what exactly happens inside when one develops peripheral Neuropathies:

Peripheral Nervous System

Our bodies house two types of autonomous nervous systems: CNS (Central Nervous System) comprising spinal cord/brain assisting us with making decisions thus acting as our control center whereas PNS consists all other nerves branching out through human organs, limbs etc. . Now we shall focus on the latter since that’s where problems related to neural difficulties arises.

PNS controls almost everything outside of brain/spinal cord relating proprioception–peripheral motor/sensory functions/stimulation in autonomic involuntary responses organ controlling digestion e.g not requiring conscious participation Besides transmitting sensations which tell us how hot or cold something is, PNS also helps in controlling other routine functions like the sympathetic nervous system regulating heart rate upon encountering a situation requiring response such as fight or flight by engaging endocrine system. In summary, an error in peripheral nerves can cause plethora of complications.

Fun Fact: Our brains store all information & memories whereas spinal cord can work independently to control some voluntary responses without communicating with brainstem?

What is Neuropathy?

Peripheral neuropathy,(2) abbreviated as PN; refers nerve damage occuring outside of CNS – downstream towards hands and feet instead directing towards back/spinal region Thus sensations originating from these locale are more prone to abnormalities.

Identifying symptoms right away guarantees effective treatment measures preventing worse consequences Secondary (3) nociceptive pain because
Neuropathic (4) diseases essentially result in causing nerves signals erroneous sending incorrect volatile message or none at all leading – abnormal sensations which include feelings of numbness soles , tinglings shooting up/down arms/limbs present – tend happen gradually overtime resulting form exposure underlying prolonged disease condition.
This leads us to the ever-important crucial question; what kind of doctor treats neuropathy then?

Let’s explore!

Neurologist

As discussed earlier neurologists are professionals who focus on studying and treating disorders affecting neurological functioning especially in case someone presents multitude sensory comorbidities within autonomic systems such as :
– Sensory deficiences /numbness
– Loss motoring capacity
– Numbing spread out into fingers & toes

For instance if pudendal neuralgia has caused serious discomfort (which transcends situations relative everyday life) persistently debilitating regular lifestyles custom fits required medical plan might just be laying among neurology specialists .
n.b. Around 70% of ALS sufferers often diagnosed having secondary peripheral presentations though would require EMG or biopsy for accurate diagnosis, catching early results yielding better possible outcomes for recovery purposes.

Podiatrist

For people that experience PN leading to afflictions such as Morton’s Neuroma, Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome etc focussing on legs, foot and knee; podiatrists specialize in identification of symptoms originating & resonating lower extremities
Podiatric clinics offer a tremendous range of noninvasive treatments aiding in relieving any discomfort associated with disease condition In addition their expertise also includes onset prevention strategies like custom orthotics for flat fleet , fall pronation refitting unhealthy footwear all designed fit individual post symptom manifestation.

Rheumatologist

Rheumatologists frequently identify neuropathies by analyzing how it affects other body parts through overall inflammation . These treatment specialists would focus on conducting specific tests if atypical autoimmune disorders . Afterward they would create an onset plan culminating long time improved outcomes prescribing optimal meds choosing between alternatives dependent from diagnosis outcome.

When Should You See A Doctor?

If you’re seeing the following signs, we highly recommend visiting a specialist without further delay:

  • Numbness / tingling sensations which are consistent
  • Stumbling or coordination problems affecting walking habits
  • Cramping in muscles when moving around (Esp noticeable within calf area)
  • Pain increasing overtime despite sporadic weekend relief.

Don’t wait until it’s too late! Getting early intervention will often acheive the best possible outcome.Taking care preemptively may ultimately keep ailments under check saving excessive hospital maintenance overheads..

Pro Tip: If unluckily developed heridetary disorders opting being enrolled into longitudinal studies wherein results significant progression upon peripheral neuropathic condition could provide your ideal choice here too!

Different health conditions require expert level guidance Caring for nerve damage induces fragility demands timely medical attention Therefore consulting now instead of delaying tactics wouldn’t only possibly degrade current lifestyle quality but might backfire leaving deeper financial burden than what previously bargained There isn’t one direct answer, regarding what doctor should you see for peripheral neuropathy There are several professionals available to cater towards PN According wide variety symptoms created by any disease category; certain areas of expertise tend often suit specific needs.

One must always remember – early diagnosis optimal results !

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