Pain, numbness or tingling in your arms or legs is not something you should learn to live with. In a recent TV segment, Dr. Todd Cevene of Rockford Pain Management explained what causes it.
Why does pain travel down an arm or a leg?
A nerve that is irritated or inflamed sends pain along the path of that nerve. It can reach the elbow and fingers, or run from the back to the knees, toes and heels.
A pinched nerve
A pinched nerve has been compressed by a disc, a muscle or something else. It causes a lot of pain that travels. This is called radicular pain.
Peripheral neuropathy
Neuropathy is a disease process. It is most often diabetic, idiopathic (no known cause), or the result of chemotherapy. It shows up in the toes and feet, or the fingers and hands. Symptoms include pain, numbness and burning, often at night, and balance problems.
You can have both at once. A nerve conduction study, done in our office, shows which one you have and where.
How is it treated?
It depends on the cause. For a compressed or pinched nerve, treatment may include prescriptions, traction or therapy, or injections if they are necessary.
You do not need a referral to be seen. Call (815) 516-0289 to schedule. Learn more about neuropathy treatment.