What Causes Peripheral Neuropathy?

Peripheral neuropathy occurs when the nerves that carry signals to and from the brain and spinal cord are damaged, leading to sensations such as tingling, numbness, or burning pain in the hands and feet. Among the many causes, diabetes tends to be the most common. Chronically elevated blood sugar levels damage the delicate nerve fibers over time, impairing their ability to transmit signals and creating persistent discomfort or sensory changes.

Patients with diabetic neuropathy tend to experience a host of symptoms alongside sensory disturbances. Patients frequently experience diminished balance, weakness, and muscle atrophy in affected regions. This is particularly concerning in the lower extremities, where impaired sensation can increase the risk of injuries, ulcers, and infections. Providers often approach diabetic neuropathy with a combination of interventions that address both pain and functional limitations. Treatment may include targeted nerve blocks, pharmacologic management, physical therapy, and patient education aimed at mitigating complications while improving mobility.

Other metabolic disorders can also contribute to peripheral neuropathy. Conditions such as prediabetes, chronic kidney disease, or deficiencies in B vitamins can produce nerve damage through metabolic imbalances or nutrient insufficiency.

Patients who notice tingling, burning, or numbness in extremities are encouraged to seek evaluation at San Antonio Pain Consultants promptly, especially if they have known metabolic conditions. The clinic combines state-of-the-art diagnostic tools with personalized intervention strategies to halt progression, reduce pain, and restore function.

Chronic alcohol consumption is a potential contributor to peripheral neuropathy, and its effects can be both direct and indirect. Excessive alcohol intake can damage nerve fibers directly, interfering with the transmission of electrical signals between the brain, spinal cord, and peripheral nerves. Additionally, alcohol disrupts nutrient absorption in the gut, particularly the absorption of B vitamins that are essential for nerve health. Deficiencies in vitamins like B12, B1, and folate exacerbate nerve damage, creating a dual pathway by which alcohol can lead to persistent neuropathic pain. Patients with alcohol-related neuropathy often report symptoms similar to other forms of peripheral nerve damage, including burning, tingling, numbness, and muscle weakness.

Management strategies for alcohol-related neuropathy often integrate multiple approaches. Pharmacologic interventions may reduce pain and improve nerve function, while lifestyle modifications, including cessation of alcohol consumption and nutritional supplementation, target the underlying cause of nerve degeneration. The clinic also incorporates rehabilitative therapies to strengthen affected muscles and improve balance, helping patients regain function that may have been compromised by chronic alcohol-related nerve damage.

At San Antonio Pain Consultants, the specialists guide patients in recognizing early warning signs of peripheral neuropathy, adjusting their routines, and implementing long-term strategies to protect nerve health. Through consistent evaluation and personalized interventions, patients with alcohol-associated peripheral neuropathy can achieve meaningful relief from pain, improved daily function, and reduced risk of further nerve damage.

Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy occurs when cancer treatments damage the nerves as a side effect of targeting rapidly dividing cells. Certain chemotherapeutic agents interfere with the structure and function of nerve fibers, leading to symptoms such as tingling, numbness, pain, and weakness, particularly in the hands and feet. These symptoms may develop during or after treatment and can persist for months or even years, creating long-term challenges for mobility and daily activities. Some drugs disrupt the transport of essential nutrients and cellular components along the nerve fibers, while others generate oxidative stress that injures nerve cells.

Approaches to managing chemotherapy-related neuropathy often combine pharmacologic and non-pharmacologic strategies. Medications may address nerve pain directly, while physical therapy and occupational therapy support strength, balance, and fine motor function. The specialists at San Antonio Pain Consultants also provide patient guidance on lifestyle modifications, home safety, and techniques for coping with neuropathic pain, ensuring that interventions extend beyond the clinic and into daily life.

Chemotherapy-induced neuropathy can evolve over time, and patients benefit from regular reassessment to optimize pain relief and functional outcomes. By integrating state-of-the-art treatments, supportive therapies, and patient education, San Antonio Pain Consultants helps individuals manage neuropathic symptoms while preserving quality of life and maintaining independence throughout and after cancer treatment.

Autoimmune diseases contribute to peripheral neuropathy when the immune system mistakenly attacks nerve fibers, disrupting their structure and function. Conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, and chronic inflammatory conditions can produce nerve inflammation, leading to symptoms that include burning, tingling, numbness, and weakness. Over time, this can result in progressive symptoms, including decreased coordination, muscle wasting, and loss of sensory function. At the clinic, treatment strategies may combine immunomodulatory therapy, pharmacologic pain control, and rehabilitative exercises to both reduce inflammation and restore function.

Autoimmune neuropathies often require multidisciplinary collaboration. San Antonio Pain Consultants integrates a wide range of techniques to ensure that interventions address both systemic disease activity and localized nerve damage. Patients are supported with strategies for pain management, mobility maintenance, and adaptive techniques that enhance independence in daily life.

Patients at San Antonio Pain Consultants learn to monitor symptom progression, identify potential triggers of immune flares, and implement lifestyle adjustments that reduce nerve stress. By combining specialized interventions, individualized care, and patient guidance, the clinic ensures that neuropathic symptoms from autoimmune diseases are managed effectively, improving function and comfort while supporting long-term health.

Peripheral neuropathy can have various underlying causes, including diabetes, infections, genetic conditions, or exposure to toxins. Dr. Darius Zagunis, a board-certified pain management specialist in Anesthesiology and Pain Management, is highly skilled in diagnosing the root cause of peripheral neuropathy and tailoring treatment plans to address the specific cause. His expertise ensures that patients in San Antonio, TX, receive targeted care designed to alleviate pain and address the source of their nerve issues.

Dr. Zagunis performs comprehensive assessments to determine the exact cause of peripheral neuropathy. Whether it’s a result of long-term diabetes, trauma, or vitamin deficiencies, Dr. Zagunis uses his background in Pain Management to create individualized treatment plans. His multi-faceted approach may include medication, physical therapy, or innovative treatments, all focused on restoring function and improving the patient’s quality of life.

Peripheral neuropathy treatment is available at San Antonio Pain Consultants. Contact us for more information or schedule a consultation today. We are conveniently located at 3903 Wiseman Blvd, Ste 117, San Antonio, TX 78251. We serve patients from San Antonio TX, Helotes TX, Shavano Park TX, Balcones Heights TX, Fair Oaks, Alamo Ranch TX, Leon Valley TX, Fair Oaks Ranch TX, Castroville TX, and the surrounding areas.