Neuropathy – Causes and Prevention
Peripheral neuropathy, also known as polyneuropathy, is a fairly common condition that can affect people of any age, race, sex, ethnicity, etc. It’s an umbrella term that refers to any condition affecting the nerves in the peripheral nervous system and is known as such because it can be caused by so many different underlying conditions and display a wide variety of symptoms, making it difficult to diagnose.
Common Symptoms of Peripheral Neuropathy
There are three main types of peripheral neuropathy, relating to the three main types of nerves that are affected by the condition: sensory, motor, and autonomic. The symptoms of peripheral neuropathy can vary depending on the type of nerves affected and the severity of the condition. Common symptoms include:
- Numbness and Tingling: A common early symptom, often starting in the toes and fingers.
- Burning Pain: Some patients describe a sharp, jabbing, or burning pain in the affected areas.
- Muscle Weakness: Difficulty in muscle coordination, leading to weakness or heaviness in the limbs.
- Sensitivity to Touch: Increased sensitivity, where even a light touch can cause significant pain.
- Loss of Balance and Coordination: Affected nerves can impair balance, making walking difficult.
This condition very often shows itself in symptoms relating to the feet because of their farther distance from the spinal cord and brain. The neurons in that area need longer axons in order to communicate effectively with other neurons to send and receive information from the brain. If the feet experience numbness, a negative symptom of peripheral neuropathy, this can lead to other issues such as imbalance or infections due to not noticing cuts or other injuries when they occur.
Causes of Peripheral Neuropathy:
Like the many ways in which peripheral neuropathy can show itself to those experiencing it, the condition also has a multitude of causes that relate to many other underlying conditions, making it one of the reasons why it is so common.
Existing conditions such as type 2 diabetes, genetic disorders inherited from parents, autoimmune diseases, inflammatory conditions, alcohol use disorder, and bone marrow disorder can lead to peripheral neuropathy. Other factors such as vitamin deficiencies, infections, medicines and toxins, injuries or pressure on nerves, trauma and surgery, and circulation-related problems can also cause peripheral neuropathy.
Symptoms of underlying or chronic conditions or a lack of maintenance could lead to the development of peripheral neuropathy. Specifically, in type 2 diabetes, if people don’t manage their blood sugar, this can lead to nerve damage, which explains why people with diabetes sometimes lose feeling in their feet. It’s important to check in on your chronic condition to try your best to prevent other issues, such as neuropathy, from developing.
Prevention of Peripheral Neuropathy:
As stated above, maintaining and checking in on any of the conditions that might already be affecting you can help prevent the development of peripheral neuropathy. Overall, you can also prevent it from developing by trying to eat a healthy and balanced diet, maintaining a healthy weight for your body, avoiding things that cause nerve damage, wearing safety equipment to avoid injuries, avoiding exposure to toxins, and avoiding excessive alcohol consumption.
Works Cited
“Peripheral neuropathy.” Mayo Clinic, Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, 2 Sept. 2023, www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/peripheral-neuropathy/symptoms-causes/syc-20352061.
“Peripheral neuropathy: Mayo Clinic Radio.” YouTube, uploaded by Mayo Clinic, 8 March 2020, (1) Peripheral neuropathy: Mayo Clinic Radio – YouTube.
“Peripheral Neuropathy: What It Is, Symptoms & Treatment.” Cleveland Clinic, Peripheral Neuropathy: What It Is, Symptoms & Treatment (clevelandclinic.org).
