Thomas H. Webb, M.D., Director of Vascular Surgery Services at Alegent Health Heart and Vascular Institute

Q: I am 64 years old and it has been 2 years since I had multiple by-pass surgery. The areas of the legs where veins were harvested are still partially numb to the touch. I also have perepheral neuropathy, which is not an impediment to walking, but is troublesome at times. I have been taking a vitamin B-12 and folate, which is said to help, but have not had much relief. What else could I do to ease this perepheral neuropathy?

A: Peripheral neuropathy is not a specific disease but a collection of different disease processes that cause neuropathy. Common causes include diseases such as diabetes or kidney disease, some medications, and nutritional deficiencies such as Vitamin B-12 and folate. It is a common problem among people over the age of 55 with an estimate of 3 to 4% of the population affected to some degree.

Treatment options depend upon the cause of the neuropathy. If a specific cause for your neuropathy isn't known the pain can usually be controlled with medication. Commonly prescribed medications include Tylenol, Motrin, Elavil, or Tegretol. In addition, a nerve block may be performed in certain cases.

Although there is no current therapy to prevent all neuropathies, general good health guidelines apply. Eating a nutritionally balanced diet, getting regular exercise, limiting alcohol consumption and stopping smoking all help prevent nerve damage. Careful medical management of any underlying diseases that may cause peripheral neuropathy can also limit the progression of this state.

Visit with a cardiovascular specialist to determine your specific course of treatment.