Peripheral Neuropathy: Understanding Your Diagnosis

Hearing you have peripheral neuropathy can be overwhelming and leave you with lots of questions and concerns. What exactly is it? How did I get it? And, most importantly, what can I do about it?

Dr. Raul Lopez and our West Texas Pain Institute team have years of experience guiding patients through their diagnosis and treatment journey, and we’re sharing some of that expertise in this blog.

Here’s everything you should know about peripheral neuropathy and what your next steps are.

Know thy diagnosis

Peripheral neuropathy is a condition that affects the peripheral nerves (the nerves outside of your brain and spinal cord). These nerves are responsible for sending signals to and from the rest of your body. When they’re damaged, you might experience symptoms like:

Tingling or numbness (especially in the hands and feet)
Burning or stabbing pain
Weakness in your arms or legs
Sensitivity to touch or temperature
Balance or coordination issues

Think of your peripheral nerves like electrical wires. If the insulation (or the wires themselves) are damaged, the signal can become distorted — or even lost altogether.

What causes peripheral neuropathy?

There are many possible causes of peripheral neuropathy, and sometimes it can be hard to pinpoint just one. Diabetes (particularly unmanaged diabetes) is one of the most common culprits. Following closely behind are injuries, degenerative conditions, and trauma that compress nerves.

Other contributing factors include:

Infections, like shingles, Lyme disease, or even certain viruses
Autoimmune diseases, such as lupus or rheumatoid arthritis
Vitamin deficiencies, especially B12
Alcohol abuse — long-term use can damage nerves
Chemotherapy — certain cancer treatments can trigger neuropathy

In some cases, the cause is idiopathic, which means we can’t find a clear reason. That can be frustrating, but it doesn’t mean there’s no way to treat it.

Am I stuck with peripheral neuropathy forever?

It depends. Some types of neuropathy can improve over time, especially if the underlying cause is treated early. For example, if your neuropathy is related to a vitamin deficiency or poorly controlled diabetes, improving those areas may reduce symptoms or stop the progression.

However, if the nerve damage is more advanced, it may not be fully reversible. But that doesn’t mean you’re out of options. Many treatments can manage symptoms, reduce pain, and help you get back to doing the things you enjoy.

What are my treatment options?

The good news is that you don’t have to suffer in silence. Treatment for peripheral neuropathy is often multimodal, meaning we can recommend a combination of approaches tailored to each patient's needs.

We often start with prescription medications, including nerve pain-specific drugs like gabapentin or duloxetine, or supplements, like B12 or alpha-lipoic acid (based on your needs). There are also topical treatments, such as prescription creams or patches that target nerve pain.

Many of our patients benefit from physical therapy to improve balance, strength, and mobility, as well as strategic lifestyle changes, such as managing blood sugar levels, quitting smoking, and improving their diet.

If these conservative measures don’t move the needle, we turn to more targeted interventional procedures, such as nerve blocks, radiofrequency ablation, and spinal cord or peripheral nerve stimulation.

Every case is unique, so we tailor (and adjust) your treatment plan to your specific symptoms and goals.

Tips for maximizing your treatment plan

Daily life with peripheral neuropathy can be challenging, but small adjustments can make a big difference:

Choose supportive shoes to protect your feet and reduce pain
Do daily checks for cuts or injuries, especially if you have diabetes
Practice balance exercises to avoid falls
Stretch and walk daily to improve circulation
Prioritize sleep — rest helps your body heal and manage pain better

And most importantly, don’t ignore new symptoms. Please let us know if anything changes so we can adjust your care plan accordingly.

A peripheral neuropathy diagnosis might feel overwhelming at first, but understanding what’s happening in your body is the first step to taking control. You’re not stuck with this pain, and you’re definitely not alone.

If you’re ready to explore your treatment options or get a second opinion, we’re here to help. Schedule a consultation with our expert online or over the phone at our office in El Paso, Texas, today.