Can neuropathy suddenly worsen?

If you are experiencing muscle shrinkage and weakness in your feet, lower legs, or hands near Fort Worth TX, it may be a sign of neuropathy. If left untreated, this condition can lead to permanent nerve damage and loss of body function, making it crucial to seek early diagnosis and Neuropathy Treatment near Fort Worth TX.However, neuropathy doesn't just “get worse” in the same way that, for example, a bunion becomes more pronounced or gout attacks become more frequent. The actual nature of the symptoms changes over time as the nerves become more and more damaged. Neuropathy, a condition of nerve pain, usually worsens at night.

It can seriously disturb sleep, which can make you more aware of pain and make sleeping well even more difficult. Peripheral neuropathy can result from traumatic injuries, infections, metabolic problems, inherited causes, and exposure to toxins. One of the most common causes of neuropathy is diabetes. It's important to see a GP if you experience early symptoms of peripheral neuropathy.

A GP will ask you about your symptoms and may arrange for some tests to help identify the underlying cause. For example, if you have diabetes, it may help to better control your blood sugar level, stop smoking, and reduce your alcohol consumption. If you have other symptoms associated with peripheral neuropathy, they may need to be treated individually. Some cases may improve over time if the underlying cause is treated, while in some people the damage may be permanent or worsen gradually over time.

If the underlying cause of peripheral neuropathy isn't treated, you may be at risk of developing potentially serious complications, such as a foot ulcer that becomes infected. This can lead to gangrene if left untreated and, in severe cases, may mean amputation of the foot. Over time, it gradually begins to affect the shorter nerves, so it feels as if it's extending upward and, later, it affects the hands. Some people have acute peripheral neuropathy, in which symptoms appear suddenly and progress rapidly.

Others may have a chronic form, meaning that symptoms persist for long periods of time. Some people with chronic neuropathies have periods of remission followed by relapses. Others reach a stalemate, where symptoms remain unchanged for months or years.