Nutritional or vitamin imbalances, alcoholism, and exposure to toxins can damage nerves and cause neuropathy. Vitamin B12 deficiency and excess vitamin B6 are the best known vitamin-related causes. Several medications have been shown to occasionally cause neuropathy.
Typically, the nerve pain first affects the toes and surrounding areas, and it may then slowly spread to the rest of the feet and up the legs. Symptoms of diabetic neuropathy include: tingling, burning, sharp, or shooting pain in the toes or feet. the sensation of an electric shock in these areas.
The most common type of neuropathy is peripheral neuropathy. It affects the nerves in the hands, feet, legs, and arms. It generally starts in the feet, and it tends to start in both feet at once.
The main medicines recommended for neuropathic pain include: amitriptyline – also used for treatment of headaches and depression. duloxetine – also used for treatment of bladder problems and depression. pregabalin and gabapentin – also used to treat epilepsy, headaches or anxiety.
If the underlying cause of peripheral neuropathy isn't treated, you may be at risk of developing potentially serious complications, such as a foot ulcer that becomes infected. This can lead to gangrene (tissue death) if untreated, and in severe cases may mean the affected foot has to be amputated.
Confirming if you have a neuropathy
a nerve conduction test (NCS), where small metal wires called electrodes are placed on your skin that release tiny electric shocks to stimulate your nerves; the speed and strength of the nerve signal is measured.
Some people inherit the disorder from their parents. Others develop it because of an injury or another disorder. In many cases, a different type of problem, such as a kidney condition or a hormone imbalance, leads to peripheral neuropathy. One of the most common causes of peripheral neuropathy in the U.S. is diabetes.
The symptoms of peripheral neuropathy may lessen or go away over time, but in some cases they never go away. These are some ways to learn to live with it: Use pain medicines as your doctor prescribes them.
Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) treatment may be helpful in relieving neuropathy symptoms. The therapy uses gentle electrical currents to prevent pain signals from traveling to your brain. Reduce pain, tingling and other neuropathy symptoms with a visit to The Foot & Ankle Group.
Foot numbness, also known as peripheral neuropathy, is a problem that we see very often as foot and ankle specialists. Numbness may occur in the bottom of the feet, top of the feet, the toes or the legs.
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.
Because 60-70% of people with diabetes have some nervous system damage, there's a perception that only people with diabetes can develop peripheral neuropathy -- but that's not true. Because lots of other things can cause the condition, anyone can suffer from peripheral neuropathy.
There is no cure for peripheral neuropathy but proper treatment will slow progression and address your symptoms. If the cause of the foot neuropathy is known, then treatment of the underlying cause may provide relief.
Compression socks can help patients manage their neuropathy symptoms. These socks apply pressure to assist your feet and ensure blood keeps flowing in the correct direction. However, compression socks come in various compression levels, so it's important to speak to a doctor before purchasing a pair.
Neuropathies can also be nonhereditary, or acquired. Acquired neuropathies are caused by other conditions, such as diabetes, thyroid disease, or alcohol use disorder. Idiopathic neuropathies have no apparent cause.
Peripheral neuropathy is the most common, impacting 7 in 10 diabetics, among others. PN is often mistaken for another common illness, multiple sclerosis (MS).
The test involves lightly and briefly (1-2 seconds) touching the tips of the first, third and fifth toes of both feet with the index finger to detect a loss in sensation, and can be performed by patients and relatives alike in the comfort of their own home.
A blood test can detect conditions that may be causing peripheral neuropathy, such as diabetes, nutrient deficiencies, liver or kidney dysfunction, and abnormal immune system activity.
Sensory examination
The most important exam for testing for neuropathy in the foot is the neurological physical examination in the office. This exam consists of deep tendon reflex, proprioceptive exam, sharp and dull touch, warm and cold temperature testing and vibratory sensation.
Despite these similarities, peripheral neuropathy and MS are completely distinct diseases with different causes and treatments. Both of them can worsen if they are not medically managed, so it is important to seek medical attention if you experience neurological symptoms.
Bowel symptoms, as a sign of peripheral nerve damage are seen in generalised as well as pure autonomic neuropathies. The most frequent observed condition is diabetic neuropathy, in which constipation will not be the only symptom, as other peripheral signs will be present.
Intraneural Facilitation (INF) treatment effectively restores blood flow to damaged nerves, decreasing pain caused by diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN), according to a new study conducted by researchers at Loma Linda University Health.