Peripheral neuropathy is damage to the nerves outside the brain and spinal cord, and it usually shows up as burning, tingling or numbness in the feet and hands. At Advanced Physical Medicine in St. Clair Shores, Michigan, we test nerve function in our office and build a non-surgical plan to ease the pain and protect your balance.
Neuropathy often starts in the toes and works its way up, in a “stocking and glove” pattern. Common signs include:
Many patients ask why nerve pain is worse at night. With fewer distractions, the brain notices the nerve signals more, and cooler temperatures and lying still can make symptoms more noticeable.
Diabetes is the most common cause, because high blood sugar damages small nerves and the blood vessels that feed them over time. Other causes include:
Sometimes no cause is found. Finding the cause matters, because treating it can slow further nerve damage.
Treatment starts with a clear diagnosis. Dr. Stephen Wilson, MD, is double board-certified in Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation and Pain Medicine, and our office performs EMG and nerve conduction studies on site, so we can see which nerves are affected and how badly. Your plan may combine several of these options:
MLS laser therapy uses specific wavelengths of light to reduce pain and inflammation in the affected tissue. It is non-invasive, needs no downtime and is often used for nerve pain in the feet and hands.
Our in-house physical therapy team works on strength, circulation and balance, which lowers fall risk when your feet feel numb.
For focused nerve pain, ultrasound-guided nerve block injections can calm an irritated nerve and reduce pain signals.
When neuropathy pain persists despite other care, spinal cord stimulation may be an option. You try it first during a short trial before any permanent implant is considered.
Dr. Wilson is certified in medical acupuncture, which we offer as part of our holistic pain relief program, alongside careful pain management with nerve-pain medications when they are appropriate.
Book a visit if you have burning, tingling or numbness that lasts more than a few weeks, pain that keeps you up at night, or new trouble with balance. If you have diabetes, check your feet every day and tell a doctor about any cut, blister or sore that is slow to heal, since numb feet can hide an injury.
Seek urgent care for sudden weakness, numbness that spreads quickly, or loss of bladder or bowel control.
It depends on the cause. When the cause is treatable, such as a vitamin B12 deficiency or pressure on a nerve, symptoms can improve. Long-standing diabetic nerve damage is harder to reverse, so treatment focuses on easing pain, protecting the feet and slowing progression.
At night there are fewer distractions, you are lying still and your body is cooler, so the brain pays more attention to the nerve signals. Treating the pain during the day and good sleep habits often help.
Yes. Smoking narrows the blood vessels that supply the nerves, which can make neuropathy symptoms worse and slow healing. Quitting is one of the most useful steps you can take.
An EMG and nerve conduction study measures how well your nerves and muscles carry signals. We perform these tests in our St. Clair Shores office, without sedation, along with a physical exam and a review of your bloodwork.
Advanced Physical Medicine accepts most major insurance plans. Some treatments may be self-pay, and our staff will go over coverage with you before you start.
Book a visit with Advanced Physical Medicine at 24345 Harper Ave, St. Clair Shores, Michigan, or call us at (586) 563-3300. We will find out what is behind your symptoms and talk you through your options.
