Peripheral Neuropathy: Symptoms, Causes and Treatment

**What is Peripheral Neuropathy?**

Peripheral neuropathy is a condition that affects the nerves that carry messages from the brain and spinal cord to the rest of the body. It can cause numbness, tingling, and pain in the toes, feet and legs. 

**What Causes Peripheral Neuropathy?**

Peripheral neuropathy can be caused by a number of things, including:

* Diabetes: Diabetes is the most common cause of peripheral neuropathy. High blood sugar can damage the nerves, leading to numbness, tingling, and pain.
* Alcoholism: Alcohol can damage the nerves, leading to peripheral neuropathy.
* Autoimmune diseases: Autoimmune diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis and lupus, can attack the nerves, leading to peripheral neuropathy.
* Vitamin deficiencies: Vitamin B12 deficiency and vitamin E deficiency can both lead to peripheral neuropathy.
* Infections: Viral infections, such as HIV and hepatitis C, can damage the nerves, leading to peripheral neuropathy.
* Cancer: Cancer can damage the nerves, leading to peripheral neuropathy.
* Medications: Some medications, such as chemotherapy drugs and chemotherapy drugs, can damage the nerves, leading to peripheral neuropathy.

**What are the Symptoms of Peripheral Neuropathy?**

Peripheral neuropathy can cause a variety of symptoms, including:

* Numbness: Numbness is the most common symptom of peripheral neuropathy. It can affect the feet, hands, arms, legs, and face.
* Tingling: Tingling is another common symptom of peripheral neuropathy. It is often described as a pins and needles sensation.
* Pain: Pain is a less common symptom of peripheral neuropathy. However, it can be severe and debilitating.
* Weakness: Weakness in the arms and legs can make it difficult to walk or move.
* Loss of balance: Loss of balance can make it difficult to walk or move.

* Changes in sweating: Sweating can decrease or increase in people with peripheral neuropathy.
* Changes in skin temperature: The skin may feel warm or cold in people with peripheral neuropathy.
* Changes in skin color: The skin may become discolored in people with peripheral neuropathy.
* Changes in hair growth: Hair growth may decrease or increase in people with peripheral neuropathy.
* Changes in nails: Nails may become thick or brittle in people with peripheral neuropathy.
* Changes in reflexes: Reflexes may be decreased or absent in people with peripheral neuropathy.

**How is Peripheral Neuropathy Diagnosed?**

If you are experiencing symptoms of peripheral neuropathy, it is important to see a doctor or podiatrist for diagnosis. Your doctor will likely ask you about your medical history and symptoms, and perform a physical examination. They may also order tests, such as blood tests or nerve conduction studies, to help confirm the diagnosis.

**How is Peripheral Neuropathy Treated?**

There is no cure for peripheral neuropathy, but there are treatments that can help manage the symptoms. Treatment may include medication, physical therapy, and lifestyle changes.

Medications: There are a number of medications that can be used to treat the symptoms of peripheral neuropathy. These medications can help to reduce pain, improve nerve function, and prevent further damage to the nerves. Topical compounded neuropathic medications can significantly alleviate neuropathic symptoms as well. 

Physical therapy: Physical therapy can help to improve strength, balance, and coordination in people with peripheral neuropathy. It can also help to prevent injuries.

Lifestyle changes: There are a number of lifestyle changes that can help to manage the symptoms of peripheral neuropathy. These changes include quitting smoking, eating a healthy diet, and exercising regularly.

**What is the Outlook for People with Peripheral Neuropathy?**

The outlook for people with peripheral neuropathy varies depending on the cause and severity of the condition. In some cases, the symptoms of peripheral neuropathy may improve with treatment. However, in other cases, the symptoms may be permanent. It is important to see your podiatrist   podiatrist

**How Can I Prevent Peripheral Neuropathy?**

There are a number of things you can do to help prevent peripheral neuropathy. These include:

* Managing your blood sugar if you have diabetes.
* Avoiding alcohol abuse.
* Eating a healthy diet.
* Exercising regularly.
* Getting regular check-ups from your doctor.

If you have any questions or concerns about peripheral neuropathy, please schedule an appointment with Dr. Joseph E. Mechanik, a peripheral neuropathy specialist, to discuss your condition and treatment options.