Neuropathy, or peripheral neuropathy, is the result of damage to the nerves outside of the brain and spinal cord. It often causes weakness, numbness, and a burning or tingling pain, typically starting in the hands and feet.
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Who Typically Suffers
It most frequently affects individuals with diabetes, older adults, and those with autoimmune diseases or severe vitamin deficiencies.
What Causes It
Prolonged high blood sugar from diabetes is the leading cause. Other causes include traumatic injuries, infections, metabolic problems, inherited causes, and exposure to toxins.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is neuropathy curable?
It depends on the underlying cause. If caused by a vitamin deficiency, it can often be reversed. For chronic conditions like diabetes, treatment focuses on managing pain and preventing further nerve damage.
Frequently Asked Questions
What causes peripheral neuropathy symptoms?
Peripheral neuropathy symptoms can develop for several reasons, including diabetes, vitamin deficiencies, medication effects, nerve compression, autoimmune conditions, injury, or other neurological causes. The location of pain alone does not always identify the source. A focused history and examination can help distinguish a local joint or soft-tissue problem from referred pain, nerve involvement, or a condition that needs medical testing.
When should I seek care for peripheral neuropathy symptoms?
Schedule an evaluation when burning, tingling, numbness, unusual sensitivity, weakness, or balance changes in the hands or feet persist, recur, limit sleep or daily activity, or follow an injury. Seek urgent medical attention for severe trauma, fever, unexplained weight loss, new weakness, loss of coordination, chest pain, or loss of bowel or bladder control.
How is peripheral neuropathy symptoms evaluated?
An evaluation typically includes questions about when symptoms began, activities that worsen or relieve them, prior injuries, and relevant medical history. The provider may assess mobility, strength, sensation, balance, posture, or movement patterns. Imaging or referral may be recommended when the examination suggests it is necessary.
What non-surgical treatments may help peripheral neuropathy symptoms?
Treatment depends on the diagnosis and may include education, activity modification, chiropractic or manual care, therapeutic exercise, rehabilitation, and medical treatments when appropriate. The plan should focus on identifying the cause, protecting sensation and balance, reducing mechanical irritation when present, and coordinating medical management. No single treatment is right for every patient.
How long does improvement from peripheral neuropathy symptoms take?
Recovery time varies with the cause, severity, duration, overall health, work or activity demands, and consistency with the care plan. Some symptoms improve within a few visits, while long-standing conditions may require more time. Progress should be reassessed using pain, mobility, strength, and functional goals.
