What is Peripheral Neuropathy?
Peripheral Neuropathy, also known as polyneuropathy, is a condition where the nerves
that normally allow us to feel hot, cold, pain, and position, do not function properly.
Numbness, burning, and tingling in the feet are frequently the first symptoms.
Why are the feet affected first?
Our bodies are covered by nerve endings that send information about pain, temperature
and other sensations to our spinal cord, and ultimately to our brain. Our brain interprets
these impulses as the sensations we feel in our skin, muscle and joints. The longest
nerves in the body are those that travel from the feet to the spinal cord. Because these
slender nerves are so long, they are the most delicate and prone to injury and breakdown.
What causes peripheral neuropathy?
Diabetes (high sugar) is the most common cause of peripheral neuropathy. Other causes
include imbalances in the thyroid, kidneys, liver, deficiency of vitamins such as B12,
exposure to toxins such as alcohol, heavy metals, chemotherapy or too much vitamin B6.
Some peripheral neuropathies run in families. A few neuropathies are caused by
inflammation of the nerves. Neuropathies are more common as one gets older, and
frequently no other specific cause is found.
What can be done for peripheral neuropathies?
For many types of neuropathy there are no specific treatments that reverse the nerve
damage or loss of function. In some cases, such as B12 deficiency or the inflammatory
neuropathies specific treatments are available.
What can be done for the pain and tingling of neuropathies?
Cymbalta, Elavil, and Pamelor are 3 commonly used antidepressants that reduce the pain
of neuropathy. Tegretol, Trileptal, Neurontin, and Lyrica are anti-seizure medicines that
are commonly used for the tingling and burning pain. Capsacin (Zostrix) cream as well
as Solarcaine can be used as a topical rub. Capsacin is chili pepper extract, so it burns
intensely for the first week of its use.
What can be done for the balance and walking difficulty?
Some neuropathy patients develop weakness in the feet or ankles. Mild weakness can
manifest as thin feet with very high or collapsed arches. Working with a podiatrist to
provide proper foot support can be extremely helpful in preventing further painful injury
to the feet and ankles. Some patients have weakness above the ankles that manifests
with footdrop. Special bracing can help prevent sprained ankles and falls and allow a
more comfortable gait without having to lift the entire leg.
For more information visit:
The official page for the Neuropathy Association
About Peripheral Neuropathy - What is Peripheral Neuropathy?
Peripheral Neuropathy, also known as polyneuropathy, is a condition where the nerves
that normally allow us to feel hot, cold, pain, and position, do not function properly.
Numbness, burning, and tingling in the feet are frequently the first symptoms.
Why are the feet affected first?
Our bodies are covered by nerve endings that send information about pain, temperature
and other sensations to our spinal cord, and ultimately to our brain. Our brain interprets
these impulses as the sensations we feel in our skin, muscle and joints. The longest
nerves in the body are those that travel from the feet to the spinal cord. Because these
slender nerves are so long, they are the most delicate and prone to injury and breakdown.
What causes peripheral neuropathy?
Diabetes (high sugar) is the most common cause of peripheral neuropathy. Other causes
include imbalances in the thyroid, kidneys, liver, deficiency of vitamins such as B12,
exposure to toxins such as alcohol, heavy metals, chemotherapy or too much vitamin B6.
Some peripheral neuropathies run in families. A few neuropathies are caused by
inflammation of the nerves. Neuropathies are more common as one gets older, and
frequently no other specific cause is found.
What can be done for peripheral neuropathies?
For many types of neuropathy there are no specific treatments that reverse the nerve
damage or loss of function. In some cases, such as B12 deficiency or the inflammatory
neuropathies specific treatments are available.
What can be done for the pain and tingling of neuropathies?
Cymbalta, Elavil, and Pamelor are 3 commonly used antidepressants that reduce the pain
of neuropathy. Tegretol, Trileptal, Neurontin, and Lyrica are anti-seizure medicines that
are commonly used for the tingling and burning pain. Capsacin (Zostrix) cream as well
as Solarcaine can be used as a topical rub. Capsacin is chili pepper extract, so it burns
intensely for the first week of its use.
What can be done for the balance and walking difficulty?
Some neuropathy patients develop weakness in the feet or ankles. Mild weakness can
manifest as thin feet with very high or collapsed arches. Working with a podiatrist to
provide proper foot support can be extremely helpful in preventing further painful injury
to the feet and ankles. Some patients have weakness above the ankles that manifests
with footdrop. Special bracing can help prevent sprained ankles and falls and allow a
more comfortable gait without having to lift the entire leg.
For more information visit:
The official page for the Neuropathy Association
About Peripheral Neuropathy - What is Peripheral Neuropathy?
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