Get to the Bottom of Neuropathic Pain – Discover Relief Now!
Neuropathy is a condition where nerves become damaged due to injury or disease. In some cases, neuropathy may cause chronic pain. There are many types of neuropathies, including diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN), post-herpetic neuralgia (PHN), trigeminal neuralgia (TN), and chemotherapy-induced neuropathy. A study conducted at the Mayo Clinic found that only 14 percent of patients had neuropathy-related problems, while 71 percent had nonneuropathic pain conditions. In addition, patients may experience problems related to bladder dysfunction, bowel disturbance, muscle wasting, sexual difficulties, sleep disturbances, and depression. However, not all people who suffer from chronic pain have neuropathy-related conditions.
The symptoms of neuropathy vary depending on the type of nerve affected. Symptoms may include tingling, numbness, burning, electric shocks, pins and needles, weakness, loss of sensation, and even paralysis. If left untreated, neuropathy can lead to permanent damage to the nervous system.
There are two primary causes of neuropathy: (1) nerve damage caused by trauma or infection; and (2) nerve damage caused by metabolic disorders. In some cases, both causes contribute to the onset of neuropathy.
The first step in treating neuropathy is identifying its cause. Once the underlying cause is identified, treatment options can begin. Treatment options vary depending on the type of neuropathy and the severity of the condition. Diabetic neuropathy occurs when diabetes damages blood vessels supplying the nerves. Diabetics have a higher risk of developing neuropathy than non-diabetics. Symptoms of diabetic neuropathy include:
- Numbness and tingling in the hands and feet
- Painful sensations in the fingers, toes, wrists, ankles, knees, elbows, shoulders, hips, and lower back
- Weakness in the muscles of the hand and foot
- Loss of feeling in the feet
- Difficulty walking
- Blurred vision
- Frequent urination
There are many different kinds of neuropathy, including diabetic peripheral neuropathy, carpal tunnel syndrome, postherpetic neuralgia, trigeminal neuralgia, spinal cord injury, chemotherapy-induced neuropathy, HIV-associated sensory neuropathy, polyneuropathy, hereditary sensory motor neuropathy, traumatic neuritis, Guillain–Barré syndrome, and myelopathy.
