Peripheral Neuropathy

What Is Peripheral Neuropathy?

Peripheral neuropathy refers to a condition where the peripheral nerves, which are responsible for transmitting signals between the central nervous system (brain and spinal cord) and the rest of the body, become damaged or dysfunctional. This disorder can result in a wide range of symptoms and complications due to the impaired functioning of these vital nerves.

Peripheral neuropathy can significantly impact an individual's quality of life, as it can lead to pain, discomfort, and functional limitations. It's crucial for those experiencing symptoms of peripheral neuropathy to seek medical attention to determine the underlying cause and develop a tailored treatment plan to manage their condition effectively.

What Causes Peripheral Neuropathy?

Peripheral neuropathy is nerve damage that is caused by a number of conditions. It can result from traumatic injuries, infections, inherited causes, and more. Other causes of peripheral neuropathy include:

• Infections – Viral or bacterial infections, including Lyme disease, shingles, hepatitis C, leprosy, diphtheria, and HIV
• Alcoholism - (vitamin deficiency)
• Autoimmune disease – Sjogren’s syndrome, lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, Guillain-Barre syndrome, chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy, and necrotizing vasculitis
• Diabetes (the most common cause)
• Medications
• Trauma or pressure to nerves
• Tumors - Growths, cancerous (malignant) and noncancerous (benign), can develop on the nerves or press nerves
• Bone marrow disorders – Abnormal protein in the blood (monoclonal gammopathies), a form of bone cancer (osteosclerotic myeloma), lymphoma, and amyloidosis

Symptoms of Peripheral Neuropathy

The symptoms of peripheral neuropathy differ depending on whether the motor, sensory, or autonomic nerves are damaged. Some neuropathies can affect all three nerves, but others primarily affect one or two. People typically describe the pain of peripheral neuropathy as:

• A gradual onset of stabbing, tingling, burning, or pricking sensations in your feet or hands or even muscle weakness
• Sharp, throbbing, jabbing, freezing, or burning pain
• Lack of coordination
• Extreme sensitivity to touch
• Muscle weakness or paralysis

Peripheral Neuropathy Treatment

The first step to treating peripheral neuropathy is to address the underlying condition that is causing this disorder. Correcting the underlying condition will often result in the neuropathy resolving the pressures on its own and help the nerves recover or regenerate. For most, it would be adopting a healthier lifestyle, such as maintaining an optimal weight, exercising, eating a balanced diet, avoiding exposure to toxins, correcting vitamin deficiencies, and avoiding or limiting alcohol consumption. Other treatments may include medications to help manage neuropathic pain, nerve blocks, or regenerative therapies such as platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy to help promote nerve healing and reduce inflammation. 

Peripheral Neuropathy Video

Living with Peripheral Neuropathy Video

Your Journey to Relief Starts Here

Don't let peripheral neuropathy control your life. At Relievus, we're dedicated to helping you effectively manage the symptoms, regain your mobility, and enhance your quality of life. Contact us today to schedule a consultation with our experienced team and take the first step towards finding relief from peripheral neuropathy. You don't have to face neuropathic pain alone; we're here to support you every step of the way.