
Nerve damage can have several different causes, and it’s relatively common. It may be referred to as mononeuropathy or polyneuropathy, depending on how many nerves are affected. It most often affects the peripheral nerves, or those outside the brain and spinal cord. The most common symptoms of neuropathy are pain, tingling, numbness and weakness, especially in the hands and feet.
Peripheral neuropathy can improve when the underlying cause is treated. Surgery, medications, rehabilitation, assistive technology and podiatry can help with certain types of neuropathy. However, when untreated, neuropathy can lead to falls, further injuries and infections.
People of any age can develop peripheral neuropathy. When adjusted for age, sex and race, 10.4% of middle-aged adults and over 26.8% of older adults are likely to have peripheral neuropathy. Certain groups are at a higher risk of developing peripheral neuropathy, including individuals with diabetes, men, Black individuals, taller people and older adults.
This article will provide some details on peripheral neuropathy, how it can affect a person’s life and what treatments can help.
What is peripheral neuropathy?
Peripheral neuropathy is a broad term for different kinds of damage to nerves outside the central nervous system, which consists of the brain and spinal cord. Nerves can be damaged through mechanical means, injury, trauma, surgery or compression. Excessive alcohol use, nutrient deficiencies, medications and toxins can also cause peripheral neuropathy. Medical conditions like diabetes, tumors, infections, genetic conditions, Hansen disease (leprosy) and vascular disorders are potential causes as well.
The symptoms in each case will depend on the nerves that are damaged and their functions. They can be grouped into motor, sensory and autonomic symptoms. Motor symptoms affect coordination and movement. Sensory symptoms include pain, tingling and numbness. Autonomic symptoms affect processes like blood pressure regulation, bladder and bowel control, sexual functions, and digestion.
What are the symptoms of peripheral neuropathy?
The rate of progression with peripheral neuropathy depends on the cause. Nerve damage can show up immediately upon injury or within minutes or hours. It can take days or weeks when toxins or inflammation are present. With many medical conditions, peripheral neuropathy develops over years.
Peripheral neuropathy itself isn’t always serious, but it can indicate an underlying condition that requires treatment. Sometimes neuropathy can be reversed, so it’s essential to seek treatment right away.
Sensory symptoms of peripheral neuropathy can include:
- Numbness, prickling or tingling in your feet or hands. These sensations may spread into your arms or legs.
- Pain that’s sharp, throbbing or burning
- Extreme sensitivity or pain from things like putting weight on your feet or wearing shoes
- Feeling the sensation of wearing gloves or socks when you’re not
Motor symptoms of peripheral neuropathy can include:
- Lack of coordination and falls
- Muscle weakness
- Paralysis of affected limbs
Autonomic symptoms of peripheral neuropathy can include:
- Inability to regulate body temperature in heat, or not sweating
- Excessive sweating
- Bowel, bladder or digestive problems
- Dizziness or lightheadedness from reduced blood pressure
What can cause peripheral neuropathy?
One of the most well-known causes of peripheral neuropathy is type 2 diabetes — specifically, high blood sugar from unmanaged diabetes. However, many other medical conditions can cause neuropathy as well. Viruses, infections, tumors, genetic conditions, vascular disorders and autoimmune conditions are just a few examples. Health issues such as vitamin or nutrient deficiencies, exposure to toxins, infections, and excessive alcohol use can cause nerve damage, too. When the cause of nerve damage isn’t clear, it’s called idiopathic or cryptogenic neuropathy.
The following are all potential causes of peripheral neuropathy:
- Unmanaged type 2 diabetes
- Traumatic injuries
- Infections
- Autoimmune and inflammatory conditions
- Metabolic problems like kidney or liver disease
- Medications
- Exposure to toxins
- Genetic disorders
- Vascular disorders
- Excessive alcohol use
- Hansen disease (leprosy)
Is peripheral neuropathy a disability?
Nerve damage in the feet is particularly dangerous because it can affect a person’s ability to walk, balance and climb stairs. If your hands are affected, you may not be able to perform certain movements. When sensory nerves are damaged, you may not be able to feel pain in certain places. This can increase your chances of infection or further injury. The Social Security Administration recognizes neuropathy as a potential type of disability. To receive benefits, you must submit both medical and nonmedical evidence that shows your inability to work.
What treatments can improve or prevent peripheral neuropathy?
Again, the best course of treatment for peripheral neuropathy depends on the cause and sometimes the extent of the damage. Many people can recover function and feeling in their affected limbs with rehabilitation once the cause is treated. Some will need medication to help manage pain from peripheral neuropathy. And in some cases, a person may need to learn to use an assistive device to function with limited movement.
If you believe you’re experiencing peripheral neuropathy, you should see a medical care provider for an assessment and treatment recommendations. At Ability KC, we’ve helped many patients with peripheral neuropathy learn to prevent falls with physical therapy. We’ve also helped these patients find and use assistive technology that can help them with things like mobility and fine motor skills.
We have both a robust day program and an outpatient program that provide comprehensive rehab and support for people recovering from peripheral neuropathy. Each of our programs integrates multiple therapies with education, and fitness and wellness sessions. And they include powerful peer support groups where you’ll learn from other people who are going through similar experiences.
Are you looking for a rehab program for peripheral neuropathy? Ability KC is a designated Comprehensive Outpatient Rehabilitation Facility (CORF) with a Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF) accreditation. You can take a look at our Admissions Guide online. Contact us today if you’re ready to get started with an initial evaluation or appointment.