In our science books, we all have read about peripheral nerves. But did you know that if these nerves get damaged, you suffer from Peripheral Neuropathy? Yes, it’s a health condition that many of us aren’t aware of! Due to Peripheral Neuropathy, you may struggle with extreme pain in your hands and feet. Want to know more about it? If yes, keep reading this page till the end. 

What do you understand by Peripheral Neuropathy? 

Let’s understand the condition first! 

In simple terms, Peripheral Neuropathy is a health condition where nerves outside of your brain and spinal cord get damaged for some reasons. These reasons can be anything from genetics to infection. Moreover, the disease can affect any part of your body (especially your hands and feet). 

To make you understand better, we all know that our nervous system has two parts – central nervous system & peripheral nervous system. Here, the peripheral nervous system means all the nerves of your body. In any case, if these nerves get destroyed, it ruins the way your body functions, halting communication between your brain and other body parts. 

The next question that might come to you is – who can suffer from Peripheral Neuropathy? 

Who can get affected by Peripheral Neuropathy? 

Usually, anyone can suffer from Peripheral Neuropathy, regardless of their age, gender and sex. Therefore, there are no specific criteria for that. Yet, old people are more prone to getting this disease. This is because Peripheral Neuropathy is common with some other age-related health issues. 

What causes Peripheral Neuropathy? 

Below you’ll read some major peripheral neuropathy causes. 

  • High levels of sugar in the blood can damage nerves over time. So, it can lead to this disease. It’s one of the most common causes.
  • Trauma or injury to nerves, such as from accidents or falls, can cause damage.
  • Certain infections, like shingles, Lyme disease, or HIV/AIDS, can attack the nerves directly. 
  • Exposure to certain toxins, such as heavy metals like lead or mercury, or chemicals found in pesticides or solvents, can damage nerves and lead to neuropathy.
  • Lastly, some medications, especially those used in chemotherapy for cancer treatment, can cause nerve damage as a side effect. 

Common Symptoms of Peripheral Neuropathy

Now, let’s talk about Peripheral Neuropathy symptoms. There are three major types of symptoms – Motor, Sensory, and Autonomic. 

1. Motor Symptoms

Your peripheral nervous system carries motor signals, usually sent by your brain to muscles. In case the nerves get damaged, you may suffer from muscle weakness or paralysis. Similarly, there could be some uncontrollable muscle movements in your body. 

2. Sensory Symptoms

Your peripheral nervous system helps you sense the outside world. Therefore, in case of damage, you might struggle with issues like tingling, numbness, imbalance, and pain. 

3. Autonomic Symptoms

Your peripheral nervous system also takes care of autonomic processes. It could be things like blood control, sweating, and more. Hence, other symptoms of this disease could be blood pressure fluctuations, too much sweating, and bladder issues. 

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Treatment for Peripheral Neuropathy

Here are some Peripheral Neuropathy treatments–

  • In Peripheral Neuropathy cases, doctors usually prescribe medicines. Medications help manage pain and discomfort associated with this condition. Some of these meds are pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen. Then, stronger prescription medications like gabapentin or pregabalin can also work. 
  • Physical therapy is also food for peripheral neuropathy. Such therapies improve muscle strength, balance, and coordination. Moreover, therapists might also recommend specific exercises to help strengthen muscles and improve flexibility. This overall helps in reducing pain. 
  • TENS is another therapy for this condition. In this process, a small device is used to deliver mild electrical impulses to the affected area. The therapy basically helps in managing pain. 
  • Last but not least, making some lifestyle changes can help manage peripheral neuropathy symptoms. This may include maintaining a healthy diet, exercising regularly to improve circulation and nerve function, quitting smoking, limiting alcohol consumption, and managing underlying conditions like diabetes.

Conclusion

Overall, it becomes necessary to keep an eye on Peripheral Neuropathy symptoms as it affects your whole body. Furthermore, after reading the major causes, you can take proactive steps to avoid this condition. Hope this article helps.