Symptoms of Peripheral Neuropathy
Peripheral neuropathy affects the nerves outside of the brain and spinal cord. Symptoms can vary depending on the type of peripheral neuropathy you have. Common symptoms may include; (3)
Pain
Peripheral neuropathy occurs when there is damage to the peripheral nerves, which can lead to a wide range of symptoms. One of the most prevalent symptoms or complaints is pain, which can be severe and debilitating. The pain may be felt when the person touches something or when pressure is applied to the skin. This happens because of damage to the peripheral nerves, which carry messages from the brain and spinal cord to the rest of the body. Pain is often the pioneer symptom of peripheral neuropathy, and it can significantly impact quality of life.
The pain associated with peripheral neuropathy can be difficult to treat, as it doesn’t always respond well to traditional methods. Some people find relief with medication, while others turn to alternative therapies. However, finding an effective treatment can be a challenge.
Numbness
Numbness is a common symptom of peripheral neuropathy and can be quite bothersome. It can affect any body part, but it’s most common in the hands and feet. The affected areas may feel tingly or numb and may have reduced sensation. This can make everyday activities like walking or picking up objects difficult.
The underlying cause of peripheral neuropathy induced numbness varies from person to person, but it’s often due to diabetes, alcoholism, or vitamin B12 deficiency. Other causes include infections, autoimmune diseases, and exposure to toxins.
Tingling
Tingling is a common symptom of peripheral neuropathy and can be described as a pins-and-needles sensation. It may feel like something is crawling on your skin or like you have ants in your pants. Tingling can occur anywhere on the body, but it’s most common in the hands and feet. The cause of tingling in peripheral neuropathy is not always clear, but it may be related to damage or dysfunction of the peripheral nerves. This damage can disrupt the normal nerve signals and lead to abnormal sensations, such as tingling.
Muscle cramping
Muscle cramping is a fairly common complication of diabetes, affecting up to 50% of patients. The reason peripheral neuropathy can cause muscle cramping is not entirely clear, but it may have to do with the way nerve signals are transmitted to the muscles. When these signals are disrupted, the muscles may not receive the correct instructions, which can lead to cramping. Additionally, peripheral neuropathy can cause weakness and numbness in the muscles, which can also lead to cramping.
If you are experiencing muscle cramps as a result of peripheral neuropathy, there are a few things you can do to help relieve them.
Loss of sensation
Loss of sensation in lower extremities can make it difficult to walk or balance properly, as well as increase the risk of injuries. There are many different causes of loss of sensation in peripheral neuropathy, including diabetes, cancer treatments, autoimmune diseases, and nerve damage from injuries or surgery. The underlying cause will determine the treatment options available.
Some people with peripheral neuropathy experience a gradual loss of sensation over time. Others may suddenly lose sensation after an injury or illness. The symptoms usually differ and even change over time.
Delayed wound healing
People with peripheral neuropathy may have difficulty healing wounds because of a decrease in blood flow and sensation. Delayed wound healing can be caused by many different diseases or conditions, such as diabetes, cancer, and autoimmune disorders. When neuropathy is the cause of delayed wound healing, it is typically due to a decrease in blood flow and sensation. This can lead to an inability to sense pain, warmth, or other sensations that are necessary for wound healing.
Additionally, neuropathy can cause a decrease in the amount of oxygen and nutrients that are delivered to the wound site. This can delay wound healing and lead to infection or worse. Treatment for peripheral neuropathy may include medications, lifestyle changes, or surgery. If you are experiencing delayed wound healing, it is important to see your doctor to determine the underlying cause and receive appropriate treatment.
Frequent infections
One of the most common symptoms of peripheral neuropathy is frequent infections. This is because when the nerves are damaged, they can’t transmit messages as effectively, which can affect the immune system. As a result, people with peripheral neuropathy are more susceptible to getting sick and developing infections.
There are a number of things that can contribute to peripheral neuropathy, including diabetes, alcohol abuse, and vitamin deficiencies. Treatment depends on the what’s causing the disease, but may include medications, physical therapy, or surgery. It’s important to seek professional medical help if you experience any symptoms of peripheral neuropathy, as it can lead to serious health complications if left untreated.
Feet burning
Peripheral neuropathy, especially due to diabetes, causes feet burning. Burning sensation in the feet may develop due to a variety of factors ranging from nerve damage to poor blood circulation. If you are experiencing feet burning, it is important to visit your doctor and determine the cause. In some cases, peripheral neuropathy may be a temporary condition that goes away with treatment. However, in other cases it may be a sign of a more serious problem that requires long-term care.
Excess sweating
Excess sweating in peripheral neuropathy is because the nerves that control sweat production are often affected and damaged. It can be an embarrassing and inconvenient symptom. It can cause problems with your daily activities, as well as your social life. However, there are treatments (supplements and medications) available that can help reduce or eliminate this symptom.
If you are experiencing excessive sweating as a result of peripheral neuropathy, talk to your doctor about possible treatment options. There are many different treatments available, and you may find one that works well for you.
Muscle loss
One common complication of peripheral neuropathy is muscle loss. This occurs because the nerves that control muscle movement are damaged, which leads to decreased muscle function and strength. This can make it difficult to walk, climb stairs, or do other activities that require muscle movement. There is no cure for peripheral neuropathy, but treatments are available to help manage symptoms.
Poor bladder control
What many people with peripheral neuropathy don’t know is that this nerve damage can also cause problems with bladder control. One of the main symptoms of peripheral neuropathy is poor bladder control, which can lead to leakage, dribbling, and even urinary incontinence. This happens because the damaged nerves can’t send the correct signals to your bladder muscles telling them when to release urine.
If you are experiencing any problems with bladder control, it’s important to see your doctor right away. There are medical and surgical treatments available that can help improve your symptoms.