Do you have a tingling sensation in your feet? Pins and needles feeling? These are all common symptoms of neuropathy. Neuropathy is a condition that affects the peripheral nerves and can cause a wide variety of symptoms.
In this blog post, we will discuss the 10 most common symptoms of neuropathy.
Neuropathy
Neuropathy, also known as peripheral neuropathy is a general term for a variety of different conditions that cause damage to the peripheral nervous system. Our central nervous system and peripheral nervous system are responsible for transmitting signals between our brain and our body. This complex system is made up of numerous nerve cells, or neurons.
While there are many different causes of neuropathy, the most common include diabetes, chemotherapy, shingles, and alcohol abuse.
However, in many cases, neuropathy is a chronic condition with no cure. As a result, it is important to seek medical help early if you experience any symptoms of neuropathy.
Types Of Peripheral Neuropathy
Neuropathy is a term used to describe nerve damage, which can lead to a loss of feeling or function. There are many different types of neuropathy, each with its own set of symptoms:
Diabetic Neuropathy
The most common type is diabetic neuropathy, which affects approximately 60-70% of people with diabetes. Diabetic neuropathy occurs when high blood sugar levels damage the nerves. Diabetic neuropathy can cause a range of symptoms, including pain, numbness, and weakness in the hands and feet.
Peripheral Neuropathy
Other types of neuropathy include peripheral neuropathy, Which is caused by damage to the peripheral nerves and can lead to pain, tingling, and muscle weakness.
Autonomic Neuropathy
Another type is autonomic neuropathy, which affects the autonomic nervous system and can cause problems with blood pressure, sweating, and digestion.
Focal Neuropathy
Lastly, focal neuropathy occurs when a single nerve or group of nerves is damaged. Focal neuropathy can cause sudden, severe symptoms that typically affect one side of the body.
Other types of neuropathy include chemotherapy-induced neuropathy, postherpetic neuralgia, and trigeminal neuralgia.
Symptoms Of Neuropathy
Depending on the type and severity of neuropathy, symptoms can range from mild to debilitating. The following are 10 symptoms of neuropathy:
1. Numbness Or Tingling In The Hands And Feet
Symptoms of neuropathy can include numbness or tingling in the hands and feet. This can happen because the nerve damage caused by peripheral neuropathy interferes with the ability of the nerves to send signals. The signals may be slowed or completely blocked, which can cause numbness or tingling.
In some cases, the damage to the peripheral nerves is so severe that it can lead to carpal tunnel syndrome and complete paralysis of the affected limb.
2. Pain Or Cramping In The Hands And Feet
One of the most common symptoms of neuropathy is severe pain or cramping in the hands and feet. This is because neuropathy causes nerve damage, these are nerves that send signals to these parts of the body.
As a result, people with peripheral neuropathy may experience constant or intermittent neuropathic pain, as well as muscle cramps or spasms. In severe cases, neuropathic pain may be so severe that it interferes with daily activities.
3. Hands And Feet Weakness
One of the most common symptoms of neuropathy is weakness in the hands and feet. This occurs because the nerve damage caused by neuropathy prevents the muscles from receiving the signals they need to contract properly. As a result, the muscles in the hands and feet can become atrophied and weak.
This can make it difficult to perform everyday tasks such as holding a pencil or walking. In severe cases, the weakness can be so severe that it leads to carpal tunnel syndrome or paralysis.
4. Loss Of Sensation In The Hands And Feet
In many cases, peripheral neuropathy affects the hands and feet first, causing loss of sensation in these areas. This can make it difficult to perform everyday tasks such as buttoning a shirt or tying shoelaces.
In some cases, peripheral neuropathy may also cause pain, weakness, and/or cramping in the affected areas.
5. Loss Of Balance Or Coordination
peripheral neuropathy is a condition that causes damage to the nerves, typically as a result of disease or injury. Symptoms of peripheral neuropathy can vary depending on the affected nerves but may include problems with balance or coordination.
6. Muscle Weakness
Muscle weakness is one of the most common symptoms of neuropathy. In many cases, muscle weakness is the first sign that something is wrong. It can be hard to tell if the weakness is due to neuropathy or simply because you’re not getting enough exercise.
However, there are some key differences that can help you distinguish between the two. For instance, neuropathic muscle weakness is often more pronounced in certain areas, like the extremities.
7. Paralysis
Paralysis can be a symptom of peripheral neuropathy, which is a disorder of the nervous system. Neuropathy can affect any type of nerve, but it most often affects the peripheral nerves, which are the nerves that connect the brain and spinal cord to the rest of the body.
Symptoms of peripheral neuropathy can vary depending on the type of nerve affected. Motor nerves control muscle movement, so when they are damaged, paralysis can occur.
Sensory nerves send information about touch, temperature, pain, and other sensations to the brain, so when they are damaged, sensory neuropathy occurs.
8. Digestive Problems
Neuropathy can also cause a wide range of digestive and kidney diseases. For example, peripheral neuropathy can cause gastroparesis, a condition in which the stomach muscles don’t work properly, preventing food from digesting properly.
Neuropathy can also cause constipation or diarrhea by affecting the nerves that control bowel movements. In addition, peripheral neuropathy can cause GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease) by weakening the lower esophageal sphincter muscle.
Neuropathy can also affect the autonomic nerves, which control involuntary functions like digestion, blood pressure, and heart rate. This can lead to orthostatic hypotension, a condition in which blood pressure drops when you stand up, causing lightheadedness or fainting.
9. Urinary Issues
Urinary issues are common symptoms of peripheral neuropathy, a debilitating condition that affects millions of Americans. While urinary issues may not be the most debilitating symptoms of neuropathy, they can still be extremely troublesome and even painful.
Some common urinary problems associated with neuropathy include incontinence, urgency, frequency, and urinary tract infections. In some cases, neuropathy can also lead to kidney damage.
10. Sexual Dysfunction
Neuropathy can cause loss of sensation in the genitals, making it difficult to experience pleasure during sex. In addition, peripheral neuropathy can also lead to erectile dysfunction in men and reduced lubrication in women.
Conclusion
Neuropathy is a debilitating condition that can cause a wide range of symptoms. If you’re experiencing any of the above symptoms, don’t hesitate to reach out to a doctor. peripheral neuropathy is a complex condition, and the sooner you start treatment, the better.
