Posts for: February, 2012
Neuropathy does not only occur in diabetics -it can have many other causes. It’s not always easy to pinpoint the exact cause of peripheral neuropathy, because it can be caused by a number of factors. A consultation with your doctor is the best place to start. Common causes of neuropathy include:
Diabetes
When damage occurs to several nerves, the cause frequently is diabetes. Changes in blood sugar can damage the nervous system. At least half of all people with diabetes develop some type of neuropathy.
Chemotherapy
Many times when people have chemotherapy, or chemo,for treatment, they develop neuropathy during or after the treatment. This new symptom or side effect can be permanent. Certain other medications are also known to cause neuropathy.
Trauma or pressure on the nerve
Traumas, such as motor vehicle accidents, falls or sports injuries, can sever or damage peripheral nerves. Nerve pressure can result from using a cast or crutches, spending a long time in an unnatural position, or repatative motion injuries.
Alcoholism
Many alcoholics develop peripheral neuropathy because they have poor dietary habits, leading to vitamin deficiencies.
Infections
Certain viral or bacterial infections can cause peripheral neuropathy, including Lyme disease, shingles (varicella-zoster), Epstein-Barr, hepatitis C and HIV/AIDS.
Diseases
Autoimmune diseases including lupus, rheumatoid arthritis and Guillain-Barre syndrome. Other diseases, including Kidney disease, liver disease and an underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism) also can cause peripheral neuropathy.
Here is an article on the limb and life saving work being done by Dr. David Armstrong, a podiatrist in Tucson, Arizona. Amputation is a serious problem - "At least half of the (diabetic) people who are amputated are dead in three to five years," says podiatric surgeon Dr. Armstrong. "Up to 80 percent in some studies." Elevated blood sugar in diabetics can harm blood flow and your immune response, leaving your feet vulnerable to infections. These infections can spread to other parts of your body and become life thretening.
The easiest and most cost-effective way to diabetic amputation prevention is an annual diabetic foot exam performed by a podiatrist. Preventative podiatric visits can reduce diabetic foot complications - including amputation! Just ONE visit to a podiatrist reduces the risk of lower limb amputation, but yearly exams are best.
Peripheral neuropathy is a term used to describe damage that has occurred in a nerve, or whole group of nerves. It occurs when the nerve cells of the peripheral nervous system (those outside of the brain and spinal cord) are weakened, and stop working. Peripheral neuropathy will usually arise in older individuals, and may be caused by a number of environmental factors and disease states. Neuropathy may be caused by side effects related to many useful medications such as cancer fighting agents (chemo-therapy), certain antibiotics, and other drugs that can treat everything from HIV to epilepsy. Neuropathy can also be idiopathic – having no known cause. Additional causes include a pinched nerve (carpal tunnel), infections such as Lyme disease, hypothyroidism, pernicious anemia (vitamin B12 deficiency), autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, and most commonly – diabetes.
Tingling or burning in the arms and legs may be an early sign of nerve damage. These feelings often start in your toes and feet. You may also have deep pain that often happens in the feet and legs. The symptoms related to neuropathy can also include a loss of sensation in the hands, feet, and legs, as well as burning, or itching pain. People who suffer from neuropathy can also experience cold feet/hands or hot feet. Some feel a full sensation and make statements like; "my feet don’t feel attached," or "they feel full" or swollen. These symptoms can also be associated with a condition known as Restless leg syndrome. The symptoms of neuropathy are often worse at night and can make staying asleep impossible.
The problem for many patients with neuropathic pain is that there is no cure – only treatment. This does not mean that you should give up on seeking treatment. Take control of your health and seek treatment promptly. An integrated treatment approach to neuropathy is usually required for a successful result. The newest treatments and therapies that are being used successfully to reduce nerve damage, limit symptoms, and reduce prolonged use of side-effect heavy medications. Health care providers well versed in neuropathy management employ combinations of medical, surgical, rehabilitative, and physical therapies. These treatments are designed to keep you healthy and pain free, and seek - where possible - to restore function.