Nerve Pain Specialist

Foot and Ankle Surgery & Lower Extremity Peripheral Nerve Surgeon in Chicago, IL

Nerve Pain services offered in Chicago, IL

If you have diabetes or another medical problem that affects your circulation, you’re also more likely to experience nerve pain. Fortunately, with intervention and treatment, it’s possible to relieve uncomfortable symptoms and prevent complications. At Oexeman Foot and Ankle, PLLC, in Chicago, Illinois, experienced foot and ankle surgeon Stephanie Oexeman, DPM, is fellowship-trained in treating lower extremity nerve pain. She regularly helps people suffering from chronic nerve pain and nerve injuries using both conservative treatments and surgery. To make an appointment with Dr. Oexeman at her office in Lincoln Park, call or book online today.

Nerve Pain Q & A

What is nerve pain?

Nerve pain occurs due to problems with your nervous system. It happens for various reasons, but the most common cause is diabetes. If you have diabetes and your blood sugar levels remain high for weeks or even months, you’re at risk of neuropathy (permanent nerve damage).

Without diagnosis and treatment, nerve pain increases the risk of more severe issues like slow-healing wounds, infection, and gangrene.

What are the symptoms of nerve pain?

Symptoms of nerve pain include:

Tingling, burning, or shooting pain
Numbness
Difficulty sleeping
Loss of balance
Muscle weakness

As the condition worsens, you might also experience cramps and mobility issues.

What conditions cause nerve pain?

At Oexeman Foot and Ankle, PLLC, Dr. Oexeman treats various conditions that cause nerve pain, including:

Neuropathy (nerve damage)
Nerve compression
Neuromas (a nerve tumor)
Traumatic nerve injuries
Tarsal tunnel syndrome

You might also experience nerve pain due to foot drop, a condition that makes it difficult to lift the front of your foot.

How is nerve pain diagnosed?

At Oexeman Foot and Ankle, PLLC, Dr. Oexeman diagnoses nerve pain during an in-office visit.

First, Dr. Oexeman reviews your medical records and asks about your symptoms, including when they started, their severity, and if you have any underlying health problems, like diabetes. Next, she looks at your feet and toes and conducts a neurological exam.

During the neurological exam, Dr. Oexeman checks your tendon reflexes and assesses your muscle strength and tone. She also tests your ability to feel certain sensations, as well as your posture and coordination.

If an exam doesn’t provide enough information to confirm nerve damage, Dr. Oexeman might order additional tests, like blood work, a CT scan, or a nerve function test.

How is nerve pain treated?

At Oexeman Foot and Ankle, PLLC, Dr. Oexeman offers conservative and surgical treatments to relieve nerve pain. Depending on your age, the severity of your symptoms, and the underlying cause, she might recommend:

Ultrasound-guided nerve blocks
Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy
Nerve decompression
Nerve release
Nerve reconstruction repair
Revision after failed nerve surgery
Drop foot surgery
Targeted nerve transfer
Tendon transfer for muscle weakness
Implantation of a peripheral nerve stimulator
Nerve grafts and conduits

Ultimately, the goal of treatment is to relieve uncomfortable symptoms, encourage mobility, and improve your quality of life.

If you regularly experience nerve pain, make an appointment at Oexeman Foot and Ankle, PLLC, by calling the office or booking online today.