Peripheral Neuropathy Symptoms, Causes & Treatment Options
Peripheral nerves are the system of nerves that exist outside your central nervous system, located in your brain and spinal cord. Any nerves outside this centralized area (including those in your arms or legs) are considered peripheral. When these nerves become damaged, you could be diagnosed with a chronic pain condition called peripheral neuropathy.
Symptoms of Peripheral Neuropathy
The symptoms of peripheral neuropathy can range from mild to severe and debilitating. Although neuropathic pain can vary from one person to another in the way it develops, symptoms are generally mild at first, with pain eventually progressing and function diminishing.
Symptoms also depend on the type of nerves damaged. For example:
Damage to the motor nerve can cause muscle weakness, poor coordination, cramps, and twitching.
Sensory nerve damage may lead to extreme sensitivity to touch, tingling, and chronic pain that usually feels sharp or burning.
Damage to the autonomic nerve can cause heat intolerance, excessive sweating, blood pressure regulation issues, and digestive problems.
Causes and Risk Factors of Peripheral Neuropathy
Diabetes is the most common cause of neuropathy, with more than half of diabetics eventually being diagnosed. Having good control over blood sugar levels, exercising, staying hydrated, and taking all prescribed medications can help reduce the risks of developing peripheral neuropathy — or help slow progression in those who already have it.
Diabetes isn't the only cause of or risk factor for developing this condition. Other potential reasons for the development of peripheral neuropathy include:
Having an autoimmune disease (people with lupus, Guillain-Barre syndrome, and rheumatoid arthritis specifically show high rates of peripheral neuropathy)
Developing certain viral or bacterial infections (such as Lyme disease, HIV, shingles, hepatitis B, or hepatitis C)
Sustaining certain physical injuries
Having blood or vascular-related issues and risk factors
A side effect of tumors
If you have any of these risk factors and are showing peripheral neuropathy symptoms, it is important to see a doctor as soon as possible. Early detection and treatment of this condition can help slow potential progression and ease symptoms that may interfere with your veryday functions and quality of life.
Peripheral Neuropathy Treatment Options
Treatment for peripheral neuropathy focuses on addressing the underlying cause and providing relief for symptoms. Over-the-counter medications are often used to manage pain and discomfort. Additional medications, including narcotic pain medications, antidepressants, and antiseizure medications, are sometimes used to help ease symptoms.
Occupational and physical therapy are helpful in improving quality of life. Physical therapy can help improve overall strength and well-being, while occupational therapy can assist in regaining or adapting to functional changes brought on by peripheral neuropathy.
Other treatment options might include addressing nutritional challenges and lifestyle habits or utilizing transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation. TENS uses small electrodes to deliver gentle electrical currents that block or change your nerve's perception of pain.
At Mays & Schnapp, our pain specialists can help find the cause of your chronic pain and have a wide variety of effective treatments for peripheral neuropathy as well as many other acute and chronic pain conditions. Contact us today to schedule your initial consultation!