What is Peripheral Neuropathy?
Peripheral neuropathy is damage of the peripheral nerves. Your peripheral nerves are the nerves that travel to your arms and legs. When the nerves are damaged, they don't function properly. People with peripheral neuropathy have decreased or abnormal sensation in their toes and fingers. Sometimes, they develop problems moving these parts of the body as well.
Causes
In the United States, the most common cause of peripheral neuropathy is diabetes. According to the American Diabetes Association, 60 to 70 percent of people with diabetes will develop neuropathy within their lifetime.
Other causes of peripheral neuropathy include:
- Certain medications, including some chemotherapy drugs.
- Heredity. Some people have a family history of peripheral neuropathy.
- Advanced age. Peripheral neuropathy is more common as people age.
- Arthritis. Certain type of arthritis, especially involving the back, can cause peripheral neuropathy.
- Alcoholism. According to the US National Library of Medicine,up to half of all long-term heavy alcohol users develop peripheral neuropathy.
- Neurological disorders. Certain neurological disorders, including spina bifida and fibromyalgia, are associated with peripheral neuropathy.
- Injury. Acute injury to the peripheral nerves may also cause peripheral neuropathy.
Symptoms
The most common symptoms of peripheral neuropathy include burning, numbness, tingling, or shooting or stabbing pain in the toes and/or fingertips. Any change in sensation in the fingers or toes may be a symptom of peripheral neuropathy. Be sure to report any abnormal sensations to your doctor. Those sensations may be the first sign of another problem, such as diabetes.
Home Care
If you have peripheral neuropathy, it is important to inspect your feet regularly. Because decreased sensation may develop eventually, you might not notice an injury or infection. Someone who has diabetes and peripheral neuropathy with loss of protective sensation, for instance, could step on a tack without noticing it. Regularly inspect your feet so you can note any injuries or infections and seek appropriate medical attention as needed.
If you're unable to properly inspect your own feet, enlist a family member or friend to help you, or use a mirror. It's absolutely essential that any injuries are caught and treated promptly. Otherwise, an infection can develop and progress.
People with peripheral neuropathy should wear properly fitted shoes and avoid walking barefoot to prevent injury. If you have diabetes, it's important to control your blood sugar as well, because out-of-control blood sugar leads to increased nerve damage. Take your insulin or medication as prescribed and follow the recommended diet.
When to Visit a Podiatrist
Everyone with symptoms of peripheral neuropathy of the feet should see a podiatrist. Podiatrists are doctors who are specially trained to preserve the health of the feet.
Diagnosis and Treatment
A podiatrist, family physician, internist, or physician who specializes in diabetes can diagnose peripheral neuropathy. The diagnosis is made on the basis of a physical exam, health history, and your reporting of symptoms. The doctor may order a blood test to check your blood sugar level because high blood sugar levels and diabetes are an important cause of peripheral neuropathy.
There is no known cure for peripheral neuropathy. The goal of treatments is to slow the progression of the disease, to maintain foot health, and to decrease pain (if present) and improve the quality of life.
The podiatrist may prescribe oral medication to help with symptoms. He or she will also perform a thorough foot check to look for any injuries or infections and will teach you how to do the same. Your podiatrist will also show you how to take care of your feet at home. People who have peripheral neuropathy should have their feet examined by a podiatrist at least once per year.
Prevention
A healthy diet, increased physical activity, and well-controlled blood sugars, along with regular visits to your podiatrist, may help to avoid complications of diabetes such as peripheral neuropathy.
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FAQs
People with peripheral neuropathy should wear properly fitted shoes and avoid walking barefoot to prevent injury. If you have diabetes, it's important to control your blood sugar as well, because out-of-control blood sugar leads to increased nerve damage.
What is the life expectancy of someone with peripheral neuropathy? ›
Specifically, individuals with PN had an average life expectancy of 10.8 years, compared to 13.9 years for those without.
Which patients are at high risk of peripheral neuropathy? ›
Age: People older than 50 are at higher risk for most peripheral neuropathies. Family history: Some rare neuropathies are caused by genetic defects that are passed down in families. Having another condition: Peripheral neuropathy is often linked to other conditions, such as diabetes, HIV/AIDS, kidney failure or cancer.
What aggravates neuropathy in the feet? ›
Alcohol – Alcohol is a toxin that can damage nerve cells and worsen neuropathy symptoms. It is best to avoid alcohol if you are living with neuropathy. caffeine – Caffeine can irritate the nerves and make neuropathy symptoms worse. It is best to limit or avoid caffeine if you are experiencing nerve pain.
What should you not do if you have neuropathy? ›
DOs and DON'Ts in Managing Peripheral Neuropathy:
- DO take care of your feet, especially if you have diabetes.
- DO keep healthy. Exercise, eat healthy meals, lose weight, and quit smoking.
- DO avoid repetitive movements, cramped positions, toxic chemicals, and too much alcohol—things that cause nerve damage.
The Fifth Phase: Total Loss of Sensation
If you make it to stage 5, your nerves are now so shot that you don't feel any pain at all. The link to the brain has been severed. As you can imagine, your risk of ulceration, amputation, and all the related complications that surround it are at their absolute highest.
Should you walk a lot with neuropathy? ›
Bussell also explains that nerve pain can be associated with reduced blood flow to the heart. As such, boosting circulation body-wide is a priority. Walking is a great way to achieve that increase in circulation. Additionally, it is low-impact, making it suitable for patients with neuropathy.
What drink is good for neuropathy? ›
Water should be a staple in any diet, and even more so for those looking to reduce nerve pain. It's critical to stay hydrated throughout the day to reduce inflammation and avoid triggering pain receptors. Aim to drink eight 8-oz. of water each day.
How fast does neuropathy spread? ›
For some, neuropathy symptoms progress rapidly—from asymptomatic to wheelchair-bound within a year or two. For others, neuropathy evolves slowly over many years. However, in each case, the problem will not go away on its own.
What is the root cause of peripheral neuropathy? ›
Some people inherit the disorder from their parents. Others develop it because of an injury or another disorder. In many cases, a different type of problem, such as a kidney condition or a hormone imbalance, leads to peripheral neuropathy. One of the most common causes of peripheral neuropathy in the U.S. is diabetes.
Bon appetit!
- Green and leafy vegetables. Broccoli, spinach and asparagus all contain vitamin B, a nutrient important for nerve regeneration and nerve function. ...
- Fruits. Eat at least one fruit daily to help heal damaged nerves. ...
- Zucchini. A type of summer squash, zucchini is actually a fruit. ...
- Sweet potato. ...
- Quinoa. ...
- Avocado.
Caffeine is a stimulant that can interfere with nerve signals and worsen the symptoms of peripheral neuropathy. This includes beverages such as coffee, tea, and energy drinks. It is best to limit your intake of caffeine if you have peripheral neuropathy.
What stops nerve pain immediately? ›
Painkillers. For severe nerve pain, powerful opioid painkillers can help. Studies have found that for many types of nerve pain, they are as effective as anticonvulsants or antidepressants. Unlike other treatments for nerve pain, they also work very quickly.
What vitamin is best for neuropathy? ›
B vitamins are useful in treating neuropathy since they support healthy nervous system function. Peripheral neuropathy is sometimes caused by a vitamin B deficiency. Supplementation should include vitamin B1 (thiamine and benfotiamine), B6, and B12. You may choose to take these separately instead of as a B complex.
What can be mistaken for neuropathy? ›
Radiculopathy is often mistaken for neuropathy because both conditions cause similar symptoms, such as pain, weakness, numbness, and tingling.
Is peripheral neuropathy a terminal illness? ›
PN is rarely life threatening. However, without proper management, it can lead to disabling symptoms or serious complications. Early diagnosis and treatment can help relieve symptoms, prevent complications, and in some cases, manage PN. Sometimes, treating the underlying cause may help control the nerve damage of PN.
Is neuropathy considered terminal? ›
In general, peripheral neuropathy isn't likely to cause life-threatening complications or symptoms. However, there are a few conditions that fall under peripheral neuropathy that are severe and need immediate medical attention. There are also conditions that share symptoms with peripheral neuropathy.
What is the long-term prognosis for peripheral neuropathy? ›
The outlook for peripheral neuropathy varies, depending on the underlying cause and which nerves have been damaged. Some cases may improve with time if the underlying cause is treated, whereas in some people the damage may be permanent or may get gradually worse with time.
What is the end result of peripheral neuropathy? ›
Peripheral neuropathy happens when the nerves that are located outside of the brain and spinal cord (peripheral nerves) are damaged. This condition often causes weakness, numbness and pain, usually in the hands and feet. It also can affect other areas and body functions including digestion and urination.
