Can an orthopedic treat nerve damage?

Orthopedic doctors and surgeons specialize in the spine and joints, which affect the whole body, so they are highly skilled in addressing pinched nerves and their effects on various parts of the body.

Does orthopedics deal with nerves?

Orthopedic doctors treat musculoskeletal conditions

Orthopedic doctors see people with a variety of conditions that affect the muscles, nerves, bones, joints, and connective tissues.

What kind of doctor treats damaged nerves?

Neurologists are specialists who treat diseases of the brain and spinal cord, peripheral nerves and muscles. Neurological conditions include epilepsy, stroke, multiple sclerosis (MS) and Parkinson's disease.

DO orthopedic surgeons repair nerves?

This can make sleeping a challenge, and doing even simple daily tasks can be a major chore. Fortunately, surgical intervention can help repair damaged nerves. And at Coastal Empire Orthopedics, Dr. Jonathan Shults is an experienced orthopedic surgeon who can help you decide if surgery is the best option for you.

What kind of doctor treats nerve damage in foot?

You'll see a neurologist if you're experiencing peripheral neuropathy, or nerve damage in your feet and toes. Podiatrist - A podiatrist is a doctor who focuses specifically on the feet and ankles. They will treat you if you have ulcers or other diabetes-related injuries to your feet.

Why Not To See an Orthopedic Surgeon for Nerve Pain

How do doctors check for nerve damage?

A nerve conduction velocity (NCV) test — also called a nerve conduction study (NCS) — measures how fast an electrical impulse moves through your nerve. NCV can identify nerve damage. During the test, your nerve is stimulated, usually with electrode patches attached to your skin.

Can nerve damage in feet be repaired?

Sometimes a section of a nerve is cut completely or damaged beyond repair. Your surgeon can remove the damaged section and reconnect healthy nerve ends (nerve repair) or implant a piece of nerve from another part of your body (nerve graft). These procedures can help your nerves regrow.

Who performs nerve repair?

Peripheral Nerve Surgery Experts

Nerve surgeons are experts in reconnecting injured nerves and in other methods of nerve repair. Plastic and reconstructive surgeons have a wealth of expertise, especially when it comes to muscle transfers.

What happens if you have permanent nerve damage?

Damage to the nerves can make it harder to control muscles. It can also cause weakness. You may notice problems moving a part of your body. You may fall because your legs buckle.

How long does a damaged nerve take to heal?

If your nerve is bruised or traumatized but is not cut, it should recover over 6-12 weeks. A nerve that is cut will grow at 1mm per day, after about a 4 week period of 'rest' following your injury. Some people notice continued improvement over many months.

Does a MRI scan show nerve damage?

Does an MRI scan show nerve damage? A neurological examination can diagnose nerve damage, but an MRI scan can pinpoint it. It's crucial to get tested if symptoms worsen to avoid any permanent nerve damage.

How do you fix nerve damage?

Neurolysis is a surgical procedure that removes scar tissue from around and sometimes from within the nerve to improve its function. Direct nerve repair or primary neurorrhaphy involves suturing cut nerve ends together with ultrafine sutures or glue.

What does nerve pain feel like?

Nerve pain often feels like a shooting, stabbing or burning sensation. Sometimes it can be as sharp and sudden as an electric shock. People with neuropathic pain are often very sensitive to touch or cold and can experience pain as a result of stimuli that would not normally be painful, such as brushing the skin.

What is a nerve specialist called?

A neurologist is a specialist physician who diagnoses and treats conditions of the brain, spinal cord and nerves.

What is the most common symptom of nerve damage?

If you have neuropathy, the most commonly described feelings are sensations of numbness, tingling (“pins and needles”), and weakness in the area of the body affected. Other sensations include sharp, lightening-like pain; or a burning, throbbing or stabbing pain.

What's the difference between an orthopedist and a neurologist?

While an orthopedic doctor may work with injuries like broken bones, a neurologist is more likely to treat spinal injuries that may require surgery. In fact, only neurologists have the skill and ability to perform surgery in specific areas of the spine like the dura.

What happens if nerve damage goes untreated?

If the underlying cause of peripheral neuropathy is not treated, you may be at risk of developing potentially serious complications, such as a foot ulcer that becomes infected. This can lead to gangrene if untreated, and in severe cases may mean the foot has to be amputated.

Is nerve damage a disability?

If you suffer from a condition that causes nerve damage that is so severe that it impacts your ability to work for at least a year, you may be eligible to receive Social Security Disability benefits.

How do you know if nerve damage is permanent?

When do you need surgery for nerve damage?

The optimal patient for potential surgical treatment for peripheral nerve injury has: Pain in a specific area for more than three months that has not been relieved by other methods like physical therapy or medications.

Does nerve damage require surgery?

If your nerve is only injured, you may recover over time without surgery. Nerves heal slowly, sometimes over many months. For these mild nerve injuries, nonsurgical treatment options include medication, physical therapy or massage therapy. Peripheral nerve surgery can reconstruct or repair damaged nerves.

Can nerves be surgically repaired?

Surgical nerve repair involves exploration of the injured nerve and removal of injured tissue or scar from the nerve endings. After that, a nerve can be directly reconnected if there is enough length on the ends to allow for a good quality repair without tension.

Is walking good for neuropathy in feet?

Regular exercise, such as walking three times a week, can reduce neuropathy pain, improve muscle strength and help control blood sugar levels. Gentle routines such as yoga and tai chi might also help.

What can a podiatrist do for neuropathy of the feet?

Foot doctors offer effective treatments for neuropathy

Orthotics, custom-designed shoe inserts, may also be recommended, particularly if your feet have become numb. Orthotics reduce foot movement when you wear shoes, preventing blisters.

What can a neurosurgeon do for nerve damage?

A neurosurgeon can explain surgical options, such as nerve grafts, nerve transfers or muscle transfers, to help restore function.