Neuropathy is a condition that affects the nerves, brain, and spinal cord and it can cause a wide variety of symptoms. In this blog post, we will discuss 10 causes of neuropathy. Furthermore, there are many treatments available for neuropathy, so there is no need to suffer! If you are experiencing numbness, tingling, and burning sensations in your feet and hands, you may be suffering from neuropathy. So, If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, you must see a doctor immediately.
The Causes Of Neuropathy
There are several causes of neuropathy. The most common ones include the following.
Diabetes
When you have diabetes, your body does not produce enough insulin or does not use insulin properly. This is one of the most common causes of peripheral neuropathy. The high blood sugar levels associated with diabetes can damage the nerves. This is why it is so important for diabetics to control their blood sugar levels.
Diabetes is a leading cause of neuropathy in the United States. This can cause high sugar levels in your blood, damaging the nerves. If you have diabetes, you must control your blood sugar levels and get regular checkups to help prevent nerve damage.
Autoimmune Diseases
Autoimmune diseases are another common cause of neuropathy. In autoimmune diseases, your immune system attacks your own body. This can damage the nerves. Common autoimmune diseases that can cause neuropathy include lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, and celiac disease. If you have an autoimmune disease, it is vital to get treatment to help prevent nerve damage.
Vitamin B12 Deficiency
Vitamin B12 is essential for the proper function of the peripheral nervous system. This vitamin comes from meat, poultry, fish, dairy products, and eggs. It’s also available in supplement form. If you have a vitamin B12 deficiency, it is important to take supplements or eat foods that are rich in vitamin B12. A vitamin B12 deficiency can lead to neuropathy.
Alcoholism
Alcoholism is a leading cause of neuropathy. Drinking too much alcohol can damage the sensory nerves. This is because alcohol causes your body to produce less vitamin B, which is essential for nerve function. If you drink too much alcohol, cutting back or stopping altogether is vital to help prevent nerve damage.
Cancer
When cancer cells form in the body, they can cause damage to the peripheral nerves. This damage can lead to neuropathy, which is a condition that causes neuropathic pain, tingling, and numbness in the hands and feet. In some cases, neuropathy can also cause problems with balance and coordination once it affects the central nervous system.
Cancer-related neuropathy can be caused by several types of cancer, including breast, lung, and pancreatic cancer. Treatment for neuropathy typically depends on the underlying cause. In the case of cancer-related neuropathy, treatment may involve chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or surgery.
Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy is a cancer treatment that uses drugs to kill cancer cells. It can also damage healthy cells, including the nerves. This damage can lead to neuropathy. The exact cause of chemotherapy-induced neuropathy is not fully understood, but it is thought to be related to the toxic effects of the drugs on nerve cells. If you are undergoing chemotherapy, you must talk to your doctor about the risks of nerve damage.
Toxins
Many different toxins can damage the nerves and cause neuropathy. These toxins include lead, mercury, and arsenic and can occur through work, hobbies, or the environment. If you are exposed to toxins, it is vital to get treatment right away to help prevent nerve damage.
Inherited Conditions
Some people are born with conditions that put them at risk for neuropathy. Some inherited conditions that can cause neuropathy include Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease and Friedreich’s ataxia. If you have an inherited condition that puts you at risk for neuropathy, it is crucial to get regular checkups so your doctor can monitor your condition and look for signs of nerve damage.
Injuries And Infection
Injuries and infections can also lead to neuropathy. An injury to the nerves can cause damage that leads to neuropathy. Infections like Lyme disease and shingles can also damage the nerves and cause neuropathy. If you have an injury or infection such as staph, it is vital to get treatment right away to help prevent nerve damage.
Surgery
Sometimes, surgery is needed to treat conditions that can cause neuropathy. Examples of surgeries that can cause neuropathy include carpal tunnel surgery and amputation. In some cases, the risk of developing neuropathy after surgery is related to the type of surgery performed. For example, surgeries that involve cutting or stretching the nerves are more likely to cause neuropathy than other types of surgery.
If you are scheduled for surgery, you must talk to your doctor about the risks of developing neuropathy. It would be best if you also asked about steps that can be taken to help prevent nerve damage.
What Are The Symptoms Of Peripheral Neuropathy?
There are a variety of symptoms that can be associated with neuropathy. The most common ones include the following:
- Numbness and tingling in the hands and feet
- Burning or stinging sensations
- Loss of sensation
- Muscle weakness
- Difficulty walking or moving
These are just a few of the more common symptoms associated with neuropathy. If you are experiencing any of these, you must see a doctor immediately. There are many treatments available that can help to lessen carpal tunnel syndrome and improve your quality of life. Don’t suffer needlessly, and there is help available!
How Is Neuropathy Treated?
Treatment for neuropathy may include medication, physical therapy, and lifestyle changes. The goal of treatment is to relieve pain and improve function, and typically, the medications used to treat peripheral neuropathy include pain relievers, antidepressants, anticonvulsants, and anti-inflammatory drugs. Physical therapy can help to strengthen muscles and improve range of motion. Lifestyle changes such as quitting smoking, eating a healthy diet, and exercising regularly can also help to reduce symptoms. Surgery may sometimes be necessary to relieve pressure on the autonomic nerves.
What Can You Do To Prevent Neuropathy?
There are a few things that you can do to help prevent neuropathy.
First, it is essential to control any underlying medical conditions contributing to your neuropathy. This may include diabetes, thyroid problems, or autoimmune disorders.
In addition, you should try to maintain a healthy lifestyle by eating a balanced diet and getting regular exercise. It would help if you also avoid smoking and excessive alcohol consumption.
If you are experiencing pain, various treatments can help, including physical therapy, intravenous immunoglobulin therapy, and nerve blocks. Taking these steps can help prevent neuropathy from getting worse and improve your overall quality of life.
Conclusion
There are many neuropathy causes, and the condition can be pretty debilitating. If you suspect you may have neuropathy, you must see a doctor to diagnose and treat the cause correctly. With the proper care, most people with neuropathy can manage their symptoms and enjoy a good quality of life.
