The peripheral nervous system connects your nerves from the central nervous system to the rest of the body, including arms, feet, internal organs, and face. Peripheral neuropathy, therefore, occurs when the nerves malfunction due to damages from injuries, systemic illness, inherited disorders, and infections. Most Bakersfield peripheral neuropathy is comprehensively evaluated and treated by a team of experts at Diabetic Foot and Wound Center to help you regain your normal life.
Types of peripheral neuropathy
Peripheral symmetric neuropathy: It is a common form of diabetic neuropathy and affects the hands and feet.
Autonomic neuropathy: Occurs in nerves that control involuntary functions of the body, such as heart rate, digestion, and urination.
Proximal neuropathy: Affects nerves along with specific distributions in the body such as legs, spine, and chest.
Mononeuropathies: Affects any individual nerve in the body
Symptoms
Peripheral neuropathy is associated with the following signs:
Sharp, stabbing pain and tingling in the hands and feet
Hand and feet numbness
Drop-in blood pressure
Sexual dysfunction
Diarrhea, constipation, and digestive difficulties
Excessive sweating and skin thinning
Causes
People who are overweight, above the age of forty, and have high blood pressure are at high risk of getting neuropathy. However, the following are common causes of peripheral neuropathies:
Disease: Diabetes is the most common cause of diseases; however, vitamin deficiencies, kidney disorders, and hypothyroidism cause damage to the nerve tissue.
Injury: Physical trauma such as car accidents, falls, fractures, and inactivity such as standing and sitting for long cause nerve damage.
Alcohol and toxins: Exposure to heavy metals such as mercury, alcoholism, and toxic chemicals such as glue, solvents, and insecticide destroys nerves.
Infection and autoimmune disorders: Viruses such as herpes simplex, bacterial infections such as Lyme disease, and autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis and lupus cause nerve damage and pain.
Medication: Certain medication such as anticonvulsants, bacteria infection drugs, high blood pressure, and cancer medication causes nerve damage.
Diagnosis
Your physician conducts a physical exam of your medical history and conducts the following tests:
Blood tests to measure vitamin, blood sugar levels, and thyroid function
CT scan to determine nerve pressers such as herniated disc and tumor
Electromyography to determine how your body nerve signals move to your muscles
Nerve conduction study to detect transmission of nerve signals
Treatment
The following treatment helps you to get relief and return to your regular activities.
Prescription medication: Antiepileptic medicine, antidepressants, tramadol, corticosteroid injections, and seizure medication help to alleviate pain.
Plasmapheresis: Blood transfusion that removes irritating antibodies that affect the nerves in your bloodstream.
Transcutaneous electronic nerve stimulation: It disrupts nerves from sending pain signals to the brain
Ergonomic casts and splints: Provide support to the feet and arms to relieve pain and discomfort of nerve damage.
Self-care: Acupuncture, chiropractic care, massage, meditation, yoga, and regular exercises help lessen nerve discomfort.
Consult a peripheral neuropathy specialist today
Peripheral neuropathy causes chronic nerve damage; therefore, seeking medical attention helps alleviate discomfort and allows you to get back to your daily activities without experiencing debilitating pain. Conduct a specialized team of neuropathy specialists at Diabetic Foot and Wound Center and get rid of nerve damage once and for all.
