More than 20,000,000—or 1 in 15—Americans are afflicted by neuropathy, and many do not know they have it. The American Association of Neuromuscular & Electrodiagnostic Medicine https://www.aanem.org/News-Express/Patients/National-Neuropathy-Awareness-Week?feed=AANEM-News-Express# states it is “ the leading cause of disability in the US and one of the most common chronic neurological diseases, neuropathy is often misunderstood, misdiagnosed and underdiagnosed, and inadequately treated.” Both Physical and Occupational therapy are key to helping cope with the symptoms of neuropathy and can help patients regain their previous level of function.
This powerful revelation leads one to ask the four basic questions –
(1) How do I know if I have it
(2) If I have it, how will it affect my everyday life
(3) Is it preventable
(4) Is it curable
Each May, the National Neuropathy Awareness Week is held to educate the public about this neurological disorder and to answer these questions.
What is Neuropathy? The Mayo Clinic https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/peripheral-neuropathy/symptoms-causes/syc-20352061 explains that “it is a result of damage to the nerves outside of the brain and spinal cord (peripheral nerves), and often causes weakness, numbness and pain, usually in your hands and feet.”
How do I know if I have it? Symptoms vary according to which type of nerve is affected – the sensory nerves that read pain that include temperature or touch, the motor nerves which engage your muscle movements, or the autonomic nerves used in the functions of blood pressure, digestion, bladder, and heart rate. The Mayo Clinic https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/peripheral-neuropathy/symptoms-causes/syc-20352061 lists the most common symptoms as:
- Gradual onset of numbness, prickling or tingling in your feet or hands, which can spread upward into your legs and arms
- Sharp, jabbing, throbbing, or burning pain
- Extreme sensitivity to touch
- Pain during activities that shouldn’t cause pain, such as pain in your feet when putting weight on them or when they’re under a blanket
- Lack of coordination and falling
- Muscle weakness
- Feeling as if you’re wearing gloves or socks when you’re not
- Paralysis if motor nerves are affected
Autonomic nerve damage may be indicated by heat intolerance, excessive sweating – or not being able to sweat, bowel, bladder or digestive problems, and changes in blood pressure, causing dizziness or lightheadedness.
While having any of these may not indicate a neuropathic condition, a noticeable symptomatic change in body functions, pain, having multiple symptoms, or especially if you are noticing tingling, weakness, or pain in your hands or feet means is time to call your healthcare provider. As with anything, early diagnosis is essential for effective treatment.
How will it affect my everyday life? Because most of the symptoms are sensory-related, a decrease in detecting sensations may occur. For example, someone who cannot sense heat could burn themselves while cooking or prolonged sun exposure without being aware. With an increased weakness in the limbs, one could be more prone to falls. Infections that are developing may not be noticed from minor injuries. Damage to the autonomic nerves may affect sexual functions, cause digestive disorders as well as excessive or reduced perspiring, bladder functions, or joint damage. However, being diagnosed with neuropathy does not mean any of these will happen, only that they may. Your doctor will be able to advise you.
Is it preventable? Like most advice for a healthy lifestyle, a nutritious diet along with exercise is included with keeping clear of environmental toxins, overuse of alcohol, and avoiding cramped body positions or repetitive body motions may help stave off the possibility. It is also shown that managing any identified underlying conditions such as diabetes, hepatitis B and C, autoimmune diseases, vitamin deficiencies, alcoholism, or rheumatoid arthritis could aid in its prevention.
Is it curable? As neuropathy involves damaged nerve cells, the damage that has occurred already cannot be reversed. However, the consensus is that although there is no cure, managing it may be possible. Healthline https://www.healthline.com/health/diabetes/can-diabetic-neuropathy-be-reversed#management advises lowering blood sugar through diet and prescribed meds; treating existing nerve pain with recommended medications or ointments; and checking one’s feet regularly to make sure there are no cuts, infections, or other injuries which could lead to further loss of sensation.
Contact your provider if you begin to notice symptoms. Don’t feel shy that it may be nothing. Better safe than sorry is a good adage to remember, and doctors take pleasure in giving good news as well. Your doctor will study your medical history and order any tests to provide an accurate diagnosis. Should you be diagnosed with neuropathy, your doctor will recommend a course of treatment for your symptoms as well as advice on how you can manage your lifestyle accordingly.
Contact us at NIT to learn more about how we can help you with a tailored therapy to overcome the physical challenges that your neuropathy may be giving and help you find ways to manage your daily routines and activities with more ease.
Recent Comments