Peripheral neuropathy is a result of damage to the peripheral nerves and causes weakness, pain and numbness that usually happens in the hands and feet but it can also happen in other areas of the body. Peripheral neuropathy can result from traumatic injuries, metabolic problems, infections and exposure to toxins. One of the common causes is the diabetes mellitus. Pain caused by peripheral neuropathy is similar to stabbing or burning and oftentimes a tingling sensation.
There are three types of nerves in the peripheral system and they are classified into sensory nerves that function in receiving sensations from the skin like temperature, pain, vibration or touch, motor nerves that functions in controlling the movement of the muscles and autonomic nerves which controls functions like blood pressure, heart rate, digestion and bladder.
Symptoms of peripheral neuropathy
- Experiencing sharp, stabbing or burning pain
- Gradual numbness and tingling can be felt on the feet or hands which can spread into the legs and arms.
- Extreme sensitivity to touch
- There is weakness of the muscles or paralysis if motor nerves are affected and there is lack of coordination and falling.
If autonomic nerves are affected, there are symptoms like experiencing intolerance to heat and altered sweating, changes in blood pressure that will cause dizziness or light-headedness and experiencing bladder, bowel or digestive problems.
Causes of peripheral neuropathy
- Autoimmune diseases like Sjorgren’s syndrome, lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy and necrotizing vasculitis can cause peripheral neuropathy.
- Some people suffering from diabetes can develop some types of neuropathy.
- Exposure to toxic substances like heavy metals or chemicals can cause peripheral neuropathy.
- Viral or bacterial infections like Lyme disease, shingles, hepatitis C, leprosy, diphtheria and HIV can cause peripheral neuropathy.
- Trauma such as motor vehicle accidents, sports injuries or falls can cause damage peripheral nerves.
- Vitamin deficiencies in B1, B6, B12, Vitamin E and niacin which are needed for nerve health.
- Growths that are malignant and noncancerous or benign can grow on the nerves or they can put pressure on the surrounding nerves.
- Other diseases like liver disease, kidney disease, connective tissue disorder and hypothyroidism.
Treatment and home remedies
- Take good care of the feet, especially if he/she has diabetes. Check for blisters, calluses or cuts. Wear a soft and slack cotton socks and shoes that are padded. You can learn the appropriate steps by enrolling in a first aid course
- Perform regular exercises like walking at least three times a week in order to minimize neuropathy pain. It will improve the strength of the muscle and help manage the level of blood sugar. Yoga or tai chi can also help.
- Massage the hands and feet in order to help stimulate nerve and for increased circulation in the affected areas and minimize the pain.
- Avoid smoking since cigarette smoking affects circulation and cause an increased risk of foot problems and other complications of neuropathy.
- Eat healthy meals especially varieties of fruits, vegetables and whole grains, low-fat meats and dairy products.
- Limit the consumption of alcohol since it can cause worsening of peripheral neuropathy.
- If the affected person has diabetes, always monitor the blood glucose level and keep it under control in order to help improve the neuropathy.