Many People Suffer from Peripheral Neuropathy. With the Increase in Diabetes, that Number Will Surely Increase with it. Learn More About this Painful Ailment and How to Treat It. The pain associated with NP can make simple household tasks difficult and even dagerous. Boca Home Cae Services can help.

Peripheral neuropathy in the hand - Occupational Therapy

Resulting from nerve damage, Peripheral neuropathy (NP) frequently causes numbness and pain in the feet and hands. The pain is often described as “burning” sensation. Although NP can be caused by traumatic injuries, exposure to toxins, metabolic problems or infections, it is most commonly a result from Diabetes. There are a number of medications which are successful in reducing the pain associated with Peripheral neuropathy.

Nerves in the body’s peripheral nervous system send information from the brain to the central nervous system (spinal cord) and onto all parts of the body and then back again. NP may affect the sensory nerves that receive sensation – heat or pain to touch, motor nerves which control muscle movement and the Autonomic nerves which control bodily functions; heartbeat, digestion, blood pressure, or bladder.

NP usually begins in the longest nerves, the ones reaching into your feet and toes. Symptoms vary according to which nerves are affected.

Symptoms:
A gradual onset of numbness and tingling in the feet and hands, which may continue up the arm or leg.

Burning pain sensation.

Lack of coordination (balance issues)

Bowel or Bladder issues (autonomic nerves)

Sharp, jabbing pain – almost electric.

Muscle weakens or paralysis (motor nerves).

Extreme sensitivity to any touch.

Peripheral Neuropathy may affect one nerve or many nerves in the body. See your doctor if you notice these symptoms and they don’t diminish. An early diagnosis with treatment can likely control the symptoms and limit more damage to your peripheral nerves. Discuss related symptoms caused by the NP – difficulty sleeping is one.

Causes:
There can be various factors involved in causing neuropathies.
Diabetes
Alcoholism
Autoimmune diseases
Infections
Other Diseases
Tumors
Inherited Medical Disorders
Trauma or Pressure on the Nerve
Exposure to poisons or toxins

Your doctor will need to get a full medical history and physical examination, perform various tests; neurological, blood, nerve function and biopsy in order to determine the cause, condition and how to move forward with helping you.

Treatment:                                                                             Mostly, your doctor or pain manager will prescribe different medications and pain relievers. They may also try

Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) may help to relieve symptoms.

Yo may also try some lifestyle changes to take better care of yourself, especially if the NP is caused by another underlying illness.

Take care of your feet (Diabetes) – wear soft and padded shoes, not tight ones. You may want to keep blankets of sensitive feet.

 Check any calluses or blisters.

Speak to your doctor about exercises which would be right for you- and do them. This will improve circulations and can help control blood sugar levels.

Stop Smoking already.

Eat Healthier foods – vegetables, fruits, low salt, low sugar, whole grains, and fish.

Either massage your hands and feet or has someone massage for you – helps blood circulation, stimulates nerves and may give some temporary relief from pain.

Avoid lengthily pressure positions. Uncross your legs, don’t lean on elbows too long – pressure may aggravate the nerves more.

In short, take better care of yourself. Speak with your doctor regularly and try to relieve pain whenever possible.

Read more at: www.mayoclinic.com/health/peripheral-neuropathy