Understanding Small Fiber Neuropathy

Neuropathy is a medical condition that occurs when nerves in the peripheral nervous system malfunction due to injury or a chronic medical problem. Small fiber neuropathy is a form of peripheral neuropathy that affects the small nerve fibers in the skin.

Small fiber neuropathy has many causes, leading to uncomfortable symptoms and trouble detecting cold or heat. Treating the underlying cause of neuropathy and making lifestyle changes improves symptoms and may restore nerve health.

Our team at Integrated Body and Medicine focuses on the underlying issue causing small fiber neuropathy. We provide effective holistic treatments and lifestyle strategies to eliminate pain and improve function when living with it.

What is small fiber neuropathy?

Small fiber neuropathy is a form of peripheral neuropathy that affects the tiny nerves near the skin. It results in painful symptoms in the hands and feet and problems with heart rate and blood pressure regulation.

The symptoms of small fiber neuropathy often affect the hands and feet and come in the form of painful pins and needles. Other symptoms you may experience include:

• Numbness
• Stomach cramps
• Tingling
• Lightheadedness
• Fainting
• Sweating
• Heart palpitations
• Unable to feel hot or cold

The symptoms of small fiber neuropathy can be intermittent or constant. Without treatment, they worsen over time and affect your quality of life. Treatment is essential for controlling symptoms and improving nerve damage.

Causes of small fiber neuropathy

Sometimes, there's no known cause of small fiber neuropathy, which is known as idiopathic neuropathy. But there are some proven causes of small fiber neuropathy, and they include the following:

Medical conditions

Various medical problems cause small fiber neuropathy, with diabetes being the most common culprit. Other medical issues that lead to small fiber neuropathy include alcohol use disorder, immune system dysfunction, and thyroid disease.

Inherited conditions

Specific genetic mutations also increase the risk of developing small fiber neuropathy. The mutations impair the cell's ability to send signals to and from the peripheral nervous system, resulting in various symptoms.

Inherited conditions that lead to small fiber neuropathy include Fabry disease, Wilson disease, Porphyria, and Pompe disease.

Toxins

Exposure to toxins can cause small fiber neuropathy in some cases. These toxins are found in medications such as tumor necrosis factor inhibitors, certain chemotherapy drugs, and antibiotics.

What treatments should I expect?

Small fiber neuropathy treatment aims to decrease pain at the source, improve blood flow, and stimulate the damaged nerves. We take a holistic approach to treatment and only prescribe medications when necessary.

Treating the underlying cause of small fiber neuropathy is essential in controlling the condition. For example, if you have diabetes, keeping your blood sugar numbers in the normal range and regularly checking your blood glucose helps restore nerve function.

Various other therapies help manage neuropathy symptoms, increasing blood flow and stimulating the affected nerves. Some of the treatments we offer include:

• Physical therapy
• Regular exercise
• Massage therapy
• Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS)
• Acupuncture
• Stress management techniques

Medications simply mask the problem, while these other strategies target decreased circulation and nerve damage. Improved blood flow to areas of small fiber neuropathy provides the damaged nerves with oxygen and nutrients to heal.

To schedule a neuropathy consultation with our team, call our office in the greater Highland and Hammond, Indiana, area today or use our handy scheduling tool to request an appointment.