Burning, tingling, sharp pain, or numbness in your hands or feet can disrupt your daily life and prevent you from engaging in activities that bring you meaning and joy. At Sharma Hand & Nerve, Dr. Ketan Sharma understands how frustrating and limiting these symptoms can be—and he specializes in diagnosing and treating peripheral neuropathy at its root.
What is peripheral neuropathy?
Peripheral neuropathy is a condition that occurs when the peripheral nerves—those outside the brain and spinal cord—are damaged or diseased. Peripheral nerves help control sensation, movement, and motor coordination, so when they malfunction, it can lead to pain, weakness, or numbness in the affected areas, often the hands or feet. The symptoms can range from mild discomfort to life-altering dysfunction. Dr. Sharma specializes in pinpointing the exact source of nerve-related symptoms to provide targeted and effective relief.
What causes peripheral neuropathy?
Peripheral neuropathy occurs when nerves outside the brain and spinal cord become damaged, disrupting their ability to send and receive signals properly. This damage can affect sensory nerves, motor nerves, or both, leading to symptoms like numbness, burning, weakness, or shooting pain. The condition often develops gradually and can be linked to underlying factors. Common causes of peripheral neuropathy include:
- Uncontrolled diabetes causing long-term nerve damage
- Physical trauma or repetitive stress injuries
- Autoimmune diseases or inflammatory disorders
- Nutritional deficiencies, especially B vitamins
- Chronic infections like Lyme disease or hepatitis
- Exposure to toxins, including alcohol or chemotherapy drugs
- Compressed nerves due to tumors or scar tissue
- Vascular conditions that reduce blood flow to nerves
- Chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP)
- Cancer or paraneoplastic syndromes affecting nerve function
- Idiopathic causes where the origin remains unknown
What are the signs & symptoms of peripheral neuropathy?
Peripheral neuropathy can present differently depending on which nerves are affected—sensory, motor, or autonomic. Many describe their symptoms as unusual, uncomfortable, or painful sensations. Common signs and symptoms of peripheral neuropathy include:
- Tingling or “pins and needles” sensation in the hands or feet
- Burning or shooting pain that worsens at night
- Numbness or reduced ability to feel touch or temperature
- Muscle weakness or difficulty with coordination
- Sensitivity to touch, even from clothing or bed sheets
- Feeling like you’re wearing gloves or socks when you’re not
- Loss of balance, especially in the dark
- Cramps, twitching, or muscle atrophy in the affected areas
- Changes in skin, hair, or nail texture
- Excessive sweating or inability to sweat normally
- Digestive issues, dizziness, or other autonomic symptoms
What are the treatments for peripheral neuropathy?
Treating peripheral neuropathy begins with identifying the underlying cause and mapping out exactly which nerves are affected. Dr. Sharma uses a highly personalized approach—combining detailed physical exams, nerve testing, and advanced diagnostic tools to pinpoint the origin of your symptoms. Once the source is clear, Dr. Sharma curates a treatment plan to relieve pain, restore function, and prevent further nerve damage. Depending on your condition, your customized treatment plan may include:
- Surgical nerve decompression to relieve pressure on pinched nerves
- Microsurgical nerve repair or reconstruction for damaged nerves
- Joint denervation to interrupt pain signals from specific areas
- Targeted injections or nerve blocks for diagnostic and therapeutic relief
- Tendon transfers to restore lost muscle function from nerve injury
- Physical therapy to improve strength, coordination, and mobility
- Medication adjustments or weaning off neurotoxic drugs
- Nutritional guidance to address deficiencies that harm nerve health
- Treatment of underlying conditions like diabetes or autoimmune disease
- Ongoing monitoring to track progress and prevent recurrence
Why choose Dr. Sharma for peripheral neuropathy?
Dr. Ketan Sharma is a board-certified hand and nerve surgeon with advanced training in complex peripheral nerve surgery. He specializes in treating patients with chronic pain and nerve dysfunction, including those struggling with persistent peripheral neuropathy. With over 700 complex nerve procedures performed annually, Dr. Sharma brings unmatched expertise to every case. His goal is to uncover the root cause of your symptoms, not just mask them.
Here’s why so many patients choose Dr. Sharma:
- Board-certified and fellowship-trained in hand and microvascular surgery
- Over 700 complex nerve cases performed each year
- Expert in surgical and non-surgical treatments for neuropathy
- Emphasis on physical exam and precise anatomic diagnosis
- Personalized treatment plans focused on long-term relief and function
- Recognized leader in nerve and pain surgery worldwide
If you’re struggling with peripheral neuropathy in Boise, schedule a consultation today and take the first step toward lasting relief.
