Neuropathy is a condition that affects the nerves, typically causing pain, numbness and tingling in the extremities. It can be caused by many different conditions, such as diabetes, injury, exposure to toxins, alcohol consumption, or infection.
If you are experiencing any of the following symptoms of neuropathy, there is cause for concern and you should contact your doctor:
-Tingling or numbness in your fingers, toes, hands, or feet
– Burning or jabbing pain in your feet or palms
– A feeling of tightness or a “pins and needles” sensation
– Problems with balance and coordination
– Weakness or loss of muscle tone
In addition, you may want to consult your doctor if you notice that you are having difficulty performing everyday activities or if you start to experience accidental injuries or wounds that do not seem to heal quickly.
An early diagnosis and treatment plan can help to minimize and manage the symptoms of neuropathy and prevent permanent damage.
How do you know if your neuropathy is getting worse?
If your neuropathy is getting worse, you may start to experience symptoms that are more severe or more frequent. Common symptoms associated with neuropathy include tingling, burning, numbness, or a sensation of pins and needles.
You may also have muscle weakness, cramping, or twitches. If you start to experience new symptoms or your existing symptoms become more intense, it’s important to contact your doctor right away. Depending on the severity of your symptoms, your doctor may recommend different treatments or lifestyle changes.
Additionally, they may need to take a look at underlying causes that could be exacerbating the problem, such as diabetes, autoimmune disorders, or vitamin deficiencies. Ultimately, any changes in the symptoms of your neuropathy should be discussed with your doctor to ensure that you are getting the best possible care.
What are the symptoms of advanced neuropathy?
Advanced neuropathy can bring about a variety of uncomfortable symptoms. In the feet, some common symptoms of advanced neuropathy include pain, burning, tingling, and numbness. You might also experience feelings of decreased sensitivity, or extreme sensitivity to various temperatures.
You may have difficulty with balance and coordination, and have difficulty detecting or recognizing texture, temperature, and pressure. Muscle cramps, twitching and weakness are also prominent symptoms of the disorder.
In more severe cases, people can lose feeling and control of their muscles and have difficulty walking or standing. In addition to physical symptoms, advanced neuropathy can also cause emotional distress and depression.
What happens when neuropathy gets worse?
When neuropathy gets worse, it can lead to more problems with motor functions, which can cause a range of debilitating symptoms. As the symptoms of neuropathy become more pronounced, someone affected by it may experience pain and/or numbness and tingling in the affected areas.
In addition, since nerve damage and nerve degeneration is caused by neuropathy, this can lead to further balance issues, as well as muscle weakness, joint pain, and problems with posture and gait. In extreme cases, it can lead to bowel and bladder problems as well, as these organs are also controlled by nerves.
Treatment is often aimed at controlling the symptoms and reducing the pain, but without proper treatment and care, neuropathy can get worse over time and further impact an individual’s quality of life.
How fast does neuropathy progress?
The speed at which neuropathy progresses can vary significantly depending on the underlying cause and health of the individual. It can take years for mild cases to progress, or symptoms can become severe very quickly in severe cases.
Some cases of neuropathy improve without treatment, while others may require ongoing management. Generally speaking, the deterioration of nerves may occur gradually over time, with early symptoms such as tingling, weakness, and numbness in the hands and feet.
As the condition worsens, the individual may experience severe pain, difficulty walking, and loss of sensation in their extremities. In cases related to an underlying health condition, the rate at which neuropathy progresses can be affected by the severity of the condition and the individual’s response to treatment.
Proper medical care is typically necessary to help slow the progression of the condition, in addition to lifestyle changes such as exercise and stress reduction.
What is the number one medicine for neuropathy?
The number one medicine for neuropathy is pregabalin (Lyrica). Pregabalain is an anticonvulsant and analgesic medicine most frequently prescribed to treat peripheral neuropathy. It works by stabilizing nerve cells in the brain and central nervous system, which can help reduce pain, inflammation, and improve nerve function.
In clinical trials, pregabalin has been found to be effective in treating moderate to severe chronic neuropathic pain, such as diabetic neuropathy, postherpetic neuralgia, and fibromyalgia. Other medications used to treat neuropathy include antidepressants, tricyclic antidepressants, SNRIs (serotonin norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors), MAOIs (monoamine oxidase inhibitors), muscle relaxants, and opioid painkillers.
However, pregabalin is usually a first-line choice for treating neuropathy due to its efficacy and low rate of side effects.
What if neuropathy goes untreated?
If neuropathy goes untreated it can have a range of long-term effects on your health. Neuropathy can cause a range of symptoms including pain, numbness, tingling, weakness, and even loss of muscle control.
When neuropathy goes untreated, the symptoms can get progressively worse and interfere with daily activities, making it harder to perform everyday tasks. Long-term, neuropathy can lead to irreversible damage to the nerves, and even cause organ damage.
Depending on the type of neuropathy, it can also put you at risk for other health complications such as pressure ulcers, skin infections, Charcot joint, and sepsis. Ultimately, it is important to seek treatment for neuropathy to both reduce the symptoms and prevent further damage.
What can be mistaken for peripheral neuropathy?
Peripheral neuropathy can sometimes be mistaken for other conditions, such as carpal tunnel syndrome, sciatica, multiple sclerosis, and chronic fatigue syndrome. Carpal tunnel syndrome can often cause similar symptoms to peripheral neuropathy, such as pain, numbness, and tingling in the arms and hands.
However, it is typically localized to a specific area, such as the wrist and forearm, whereas peripheral neuropathy affects the toes and feet as well. Sciatica is another condition that can be mistaken for peripheral neuropathy, as it can cause similar sensations in the legs and buttocks.
Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a condition that can cause damage to the nerves, leading to pain and tingling, and it can sometimes be mistaken for peripheral neuropathy, especially if the symptoms are located in the extremities such as the hands and feet.
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) is a possible misdiagnosis of peripheral neuropathy due to the prevalence of fatigue among both conditions and the presence of similar symptoms such as chronic pain and weakness.
In some cases, other medical conditions such as diabetes or thyroid disease can also cause symptoms that are similar to peripheral neuropathy, so it is important to have a proper diagnosis before embarking on any course of treatment.
How do you calm down neuropathy?
Neuropathy is a very complex condition, and calming down symptoms can require a combination of self-care strategies and medical treatments. In most cases, the best approach is to see a healthcare provider who is well-informed about your medical history and holistic health needs.
To start, they can assess your situation and provide guidance on steps that you can take to reduce your symptoms. This could include a range of different self-care strategies. For instance, controlling your diet and limiting the amount of sugar and processed foods you consume can help calm down inflammation and improve balance.
Additionally, staying physically active, while gradually increasing the intensity of your workouts, can reduce stress levels and improve the flow of circulation throughout your body.
Getting enough sleep is another valuable activity that can help reduce the symptoms of neuropathy. Aim to get a minimum of 7-8 hours on a consistent basis and avoid taking stimulants such as caffeine or nicotine as it can elevate the sensations of pain and anxiety.
Furthermore, exploring relaxation practices such as deep breathing and mindful meditation can be beneficial for calming the nerves and reducing pain.
Your healthcare provider can also help you select from medical treatments that may be helpful, such as medications that can reduce inflammation or nerve pain, and therapies such as massage, nerve stimulation or ultrasound.
By monitoring your symptoms and working closely with your doctor or other healthcare professional, you can create an individualized plan for calming the symptoms of neuropathy and improving the quality of your life.
What causes neuropathy to flare up?
Neuropathy is typically caused by nerve damage or disruption of the central nervous system. Common causes of neuropathy include physical trauma or injury, diabetes, chemotherapy, and certain metabolic disorders.
Flare-ups of neuropathy can be a reaction to toxins, metabolic imbalances, zinc deficiency, nutrient deficiencies, exposure to certain chemicals or drugs, poor eating habits, stress, autoimmune diseases, chronic diseases, infections, and certain neurologic disorders.
In addition, certain lifestyle choices such as smoking, alcohol consumption, and drug use can increase the risk of neuropathy flare-ups.
Can you become paralyzed from peripheral neuropathy?
Yes, peripheral neuropathy can cause paralysis in some cases. Peripheral neuropathy is a disorder of the peripheral nervous system, which sends signals from the brain and spinal cord to other parts of the body.
This condition can cause a range of symptoms, including numbness and tingling, pain, muscle weakness, and impaired coordination. In cases of severe nerve damage, such as from uncontrolled diabetes or physical trauma, paralysis can result from nerve damage.
Some of the causes of paralysis from peripheral neuropathy include entrapment of nerves due to accidents and injuries, exposure to toxins, inflammations caused by autoimmune diseases, viral infections, and chronic alcoholism.
In most cases, paralysis due to peripheral neuropathy is temporary, but it can lead to permanent disability if not adequately managed. Treatment typically includes physical therapy, nerve blocks, medications, and lifestyle changes such as managing diabetes, avoiding alcohol, and maintaining a healthy weight.
Can neuropathy take away your ability to walk?
Yes, it is possible for neuropathy to take away one’s ability to walk. Neuropathy is a condition involving damage to the nerves, which can cause a wide range of symptoms, including a loss of sensation or paralysis.
Depending on where the nerve damage occurs and how severe it is, people with neuropathy may experience varying levels of impairment. Most often, peripheral neuropathy affects the feet and legs, which can lead to difficulty walking.
Symptoms may start out as stinging and tingling sensations, but can progress to feeling like the feet are burning and more severe pain. Other symptoms include muscle weakness, cramping and eventually a weakening of the muscles in the feet and legs, leading to an inability to walk normally.
In some cases, people with severe cases of peripheral neuropathy can completely lose the ability to walk and require assistive devices such as canes, walkers, or wheelchairs, and may even require assistance with other activities of daily living.
How long is life expectancy after neuropathy?
As there are numerous factors that can affect the prognosis for an individual diagnosed with neuropathy. Generally, however, the prognosis for neuropathy tends to depend on the underlying cause, the progression of the condition, and the presence of any additional complications.
For those with neuropathy caused by conditions such as diabetes, the prognosis tends to depend on overall health and the ability to control the underlying causes. In addition, maintaining good health habits and managing any side effects or complications of the neuropathy may help to improve the prognosis and extend life expectancy.
For those with neuropathy resulting from genetic and/or age-related factors, outlook may be less favorable. Ultimately, life expectancy will depend on the amount of nerve damage, the severity of the symptoms, and the individual’s ability to stick to a treatment plan.
Can you walk with stage 5 neuropathy?
In general, it is not safe to walk with stage 5 neuropathy. Stage 5 neuropathy is the most severe form of peripheral neuropathy, a disorder that affects the peripheral nerves of the body. It can cause severe pain, muscle weakness, burning, or numbness in the fingers and toes.
These symptoms can make walking difficult and increase the risk of falls or other accidents. People with stage 5 neuropathy may need to use mobility aids, such as a cane, walker, or wheelchair for support.
Additionally, because of the risk of accidents and falls, it is advisable to consult a doctor before attempting to walk with stage 5 neuropathy. Your doctor may be able to provide you with pain relief, physical therapy, and other treatments to help you walk safely.
Can neuropathy cripple me?
Yes, neuropathy can cripple you. Neuropathy is a neurological disorder caused by damage to the nerves that carry messages to and from the brain and spinal cord. This can cause a range of symptoms including pain, numbness and weakness in the arms and legs, leading to a disability.
In extreme cases, neuropathy can lead to paralysis in the affected areas, which can severely limit mobility and cause you to become crippled. In addition, uncontrolled neuropathy can lead to further problems, such as difficulty speaking, swallowing and controlling bladder and bowel movements.
If left untreated, neuropathy can quickly become more severe and adversely impact a person’s quality of life. Therefore, if you suspect you may have neuropathy, it is important to seek medical advice from your doctor promptly.