Neuropathy: Understanding Symptoms and How to Care for Nerve Health

Peripheral neuropathy occurs when nerves located outside the brain and spinal cord (peripheral nerves) are damaged. This condition often causes weakness, numbness, and pain, usually in the hands and feet. It can also affect other areas and body functions, including digestion and urination.

What Is Peripheral Neuropathy?

The peripheral nervous system sends information from the brain and spinal cord, also called the central nervous system, to the rest of the body through motor nerves. Peripheral nerves also transmit sensory information to the central nervous system through sensory nerves.

Peripheral neuropathy can result from traumatic injuries, infections, metabolic problems, inherited causes, and exposure to toxins. One of the most common causes of neuropathy is diabetes.

Symptoms of Peripheral Neuropathy

Each nerve in the peripheral system has a specific role, and symptoms depend on the type of nerve affected. Nerves can be divided into:

• Sensory nerves: receive sensations such as temperature, pain, vibration, or touch from the skin.
• Motor nerves: control muscle movements.
• Autonomic nerves: regulate functions such as blood pressure, sweating, heart rate, digestion, and bladder function.

The most common symptoms include:

• Gradual onset of numbness, tingling, or prickling in the feet or hands, which may spread to the legs and arms.
• Sharp, throbbing, or burning pain.
• Extreme sensitivity to touch.
• Pain during activities that shouldn’t cause pain, such as putting weight on the feet or covering them with a blanket.
• Lack of coordination and frequent falls.
• Muscle weakness.
• Feeling as if you’re wearing gloves or socks when you’re not.
• Inability to move, if motor nerves are affected.

If autonomic nerves are affected, symptoms may include:

• Heat intolerance.
• Excessive sweating or inability to sweat.
• Digestive, bowel, or bladder problems.
• Drops in blood pressure, causing dizziness or lightheadedness.

Peripheral neuropathy can affect a single nerve, called mononeuropathy. If it affects two or more nerves in different areas, it’s called multiple mononeuropathy. When many nerves are affected, it’s called polyneuropathy. Carpal tunnel syndrome is an example of mononeuropathy. Most people with peripheral neuropathy have polyneuropathy.

Causes and Treatment

Peripheral neuropathy can result from various conditions. In many cases, symptoms can improve, especially if the underlying condition is treated. Medications can also reduce the pain associated with neuropathy.

For comprehensive care, always seek guidance from a healthcare professional and explore treatment options that may relieve symptoms and improve quality of life.

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