What is Peripheral Neuropathy?
Peripheral Neuropathy happens when the nerves outside your brain and spinal cord get damaged. These nerves send messages from your brain to your body and back. When they are damaged, it’s like having static on a phone line—messages get mixed up or lost. For example, you might feel a burning sensation in your feet even though they aren’t actually burning. This happens because the nerves are sending wrong signals to your brain.
What Are the Symptoms?
Peripheral neuropathy can show up suddenly or slowly over time. Here’s what you might notice:
- Tingling, Weakness, Numbness, and Pain: These often start in your hands, feet, arms, or legs. Common signs include:
- Weakness: You might find it hard to walk, climb stairs, or carry things. Your legs might feel heavy, and you might stumble more.
- Numbness and Odd Sensations: You might feel tingling, burning, or sharp pains. Sometimes, you might not feel anything at all, which can make you accidentally hurt yourself.
- Loss of Position Sense: You might not be sure where your feet are, making you unsteady or changing the way you walk.
- Feeling Like You’re Wearing Gloves or Stockings: You might have a strange sensation as if you’re wearing gloves or stockings, even though your hands and feet are bare.
- Autonomic Symptoms: Damage to nerves that control automatic functions can cause:
- Trouble breathing
- Heart problems
- Dizziness when standing up
- Digestive issues like constipation or diarrhea
- Bladder and sexual problems
- Less sweating and skin that bruises easily
What Causes Peripheral Neuropathy?
Peripheral neuropathy can be caused by many things, including:
- Diabetes: Makes up about 33% of cases.
- Unknown Causes: Also about 33%, where the reason isn’t clear.
- Other Causes: Around 34%, such as:
- Injuries: From accidents, falls, or sports.
- Health Conditions: Like diabetes, thyroid problems, or metabolic disorders.
- Vitamin Shortages: Especially vitamins E, B1, B6, and B12.
- Blood and Vascular Issues: Conditions like stroke or autoimmune diseases.
- Repeated Stress: Constant, intense use of joints.
- Toxins: Exposure to heavy metals, alcohol, or certain medications.
Understanding these causes can help in finding the right treatment for peripheral neuropathy.