Alcoholic beverages contain ethanol, which can cause nerve damage when consumed in excess. Symptoms of neuropathy include: Loss of sensation or numbness in the feet and toes.
Yes, too much alcohol can cause neuropathy. Drinking is the second-leading cause of neuropathy, so the elimination of alcohol is the best thing you can do for yourself. If you abstain from alcohol, your neuropathy shouldn't get any worse.
Damage to nerves from alcoholic neuropathy is usually permanent. It is likely to get worse if the person continues to use alcohol or if nutritional problems are not corrected. Alcoholic neuropathy is usually not life-threatening, but it can severely affect quality of life.
Treatment for alcohol-involved neuropathy involves medication to alleviate pain symptoms and is geared toward preventing the progression of nerve damage through alcohol abstinence, nutritional supplementation, and rehabilitation.
People with alcoholic neuropathy who stop drinking, may alleviate their current symptoms and prevent further nerve deterioration. Damage to nerves caused by alcoholic neuropathy, however, is usually permanent.
Signs and Symptoms of Alcoholic Neuropathy
Bruises, cuts, sores, or skin infections on the toes, feet, or fingers. Constipation or diarrhea. Decreased pain from injuries, especially on the feet or hands. Decreased sensation of the toes, feet, legs, fingers, hands, or arms.
Alcohol – Alcohol is a toxin that can damage nerve cells and worsen neuropathy symptoms. It is best to avoid alcohol if you are living with neuropathy. caffeine – Caffeine can irritate the nerves and make neuropathy symptoms worse. It is best to limit or avoid caffeine if you are experiencing nerve pain.
UCLA's Dr. Quynh Pham, who specializes in musculoskeletal medicine and pain management, says that some sufferers of peripheral neuropathy can drink in moderation.
Some of the health conditions that can cause peripheral neuropathy include: excessive alcohol drinking for years. low levels of vitamin B12 or other vitamins. physical damage to the nerves – such as from an injury or during surgery.
Cooler temperatures: With peripheral neuropathy, according to Loma Linda University Health, your feet will be far more sensitive to cooler air. As temperatures drop at night, your peripheral nerves can begin to tingle more, and you'll feel more burning or sharp pains.
Most patients with alcohol neuropathy initially present with symmetrical polyneuropathies in the lower distal extremities, however; heavier abuse can progress to distal upper extremity symptoms. The most common findings are sensory related and are varied to include pain, numbness, and paresthesias.
Age. Most patients diagnosed with alcoholic neuropathy are aged 40-60 years. As mentioned previously, development of alcoholic neuropathy is associated with the duration and extent of total lifetime consumption of alcohol.
An exclusive and effective treatment for neuropathy in the legs and feet, The Combination Electro-analgesia Therapy, (CET), has been extremely effective in relieving pain and discomfort, reversing your numbness, and restoring your sensation while improving your acuity, balance, and strength in your hands and feet.
Drink lots of water
Water should be a staple in any diet, and even more so for those looking to reduce nerve pain. It's critical to stay hydrated throughout the day to reduce inflammation and avoid triggering pain receptors. Aim to drink eight 8-oz. of water each day.
Alcoholism is also a danger to your feet. Men and women who drink heavily are at risk of alcoholic neuropathy, nerve damage caused by chronic alcohol abuse. Signs of this condition are numbness, tingling, pain, and weakness in the feet.
Even though it may take months, recovery can occur. However, in some situations, symptoms of neuropathy may lessen but not completely go away.
One of the most common causes of peripheral neuropathy in the U.S. is diabetes. The most common type of peripheral neuropathy is diabetic neuropathy, caused by a high sugar level and resulting in nerve fiber damage in your legs and feet.
Neuropathic Pain Treatment. Anticonvulsant and antidepressant drugs are often the first line of treatment. Some neuropathic pain studies suggest the use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as Aleve or Motrin, may ease pain.
Generally, symptoms of alcoholic liver disease include abdominal pain and tenderness, dry mouth and increased thirst, fatigue, jaundice (which is yellowing of the skin), loss of appetite, and nausea. Your skin may look abnormally dark or light. Your feet or hands may look red.
Regular exercise, such as walking three times a week, can reduce neuropathy pain, improve muscle strength and help control blood sugar levels. Gentle routines such as yoga and tai chi might also help. Quit smoking.
Several tests can be used to diagnose alcoholic neuropathy, and more than one may be necessary. They include: Blood chemistry test. This can give an indication of a person's overall health, including blood sugar levels and liver and kidney function.
What do you mean by heavy drinking? For men, heavy drinking is typically defined as consuming 15 drinks or more per week. For women, heavy drinking is typically defined as consuming 8 drinks or more per week.