Peripheral neuropathy refers to any condition affecting nerves outside the brain or spinal cord. This can happen for a variety of reasons, from trauma to infections and inherited conditions. There are also many possible symptoms. Many causes, forms, or symptoms of this condition can be treated, but this can vary greatly from person to person.
Peripheral neuropathy means that these nerves don't work properly. Peripheral neuropathy can occur due to damage to a single nerve or to a group of nerves. It can also affect nerves throughout the body. When many of us start to experience that familiar feeling of numbness and tingling in our hands or fingers, it's no big deal concern.
Maybe we sleep sick in our arms or we just need to take a break from all that excessive writing at work and hours of gardening in the yard. But for others, it's a sign of something more serious. Sometimes these “pins and needles” are a sign of nerve damage and a condition known as peripheral neuropathy. Peripheral neuropathy refers to the many conditions that involve damage to the peripheral nervous system.
It is estimated that more than 20 million people in the United States have some form of the disease. Although treatable and not life-threatening, peripheral neuropathy cannot be completely cured and symptoms can range from mild to disabling. Regardless of whether or not you have severe pain or mild discomfort from peripheral neuropathy of the hands and fingers, this condition is known to deprive people of the things they love to do most in life and make it impossible to carry out everyday activities. Seeking treatment from a qualified doctor as soon as possible can make a big difference in effectively managing the symptoms of peripheral neuropathy.
The peripheral nervous system is an interconnected network of nerves that runs through our body and sends signals between the brain and spinal cord to all other parts of the body. Think of them as cables that connect your laptop to the Internet, and each one performs a very important function. When they're working properly, they keep our bodies healthy and functioning, and everything is connected as it should be. But when these pathways are interrupted, the signal is interrupted and can cause a range of symptoms depending on the type of nerve fibers affected. This refers to the way in which the body correctly receives information related to sight, hearing, smell, taste and touch.
For example, if you have peripheral neuropathy in your hands and fingers, you may have trouble holding objects in your hand or being able to tell if something is sharp, while sensory damage usually causes tingling, pain and numbness in your fingers. The purpose of these nerves is to send impulses from the brain and spinal cord to control and produce the movement of all the muscles below conscious control. They allow us to do things like pick something up, reach for it and hold it, and even walk away when something is too hot or too cold. Unlike the nerves that control the hands and fingers, autonomic nerves are responsible for controlling involuntary or semi-involuntary functions, such as breathing, heart rate, blood pressure, digestion, bladder control, and sweating.
For example, a person may experience slower or faster heartbeats or may have problems swallowing, vomiting, and sweating excessively. Peripheral neuropathy of the hands and fingers may develop slowly over several months or years, or appear suddenly and continue to worsen. And there really aren't any age restrictions. As a result, a person in their 20s can develop peripheral neuropathy just as easily as a person in their 50s and 60s.
That said, studies consistently show that older people are more susceptible to peripheral neuropathy. There are many causes of peripheral neuropathy, from age and genetics to the underlying disease. The experienced hand surgeons at Fort Worth Hand Center can help. People with peripheral neuropathy can lead healthy, active lives if they stay aware of the condition and seek treatment.
One of the best ways to prevent the onset of this condition is to control medical conditions that put the disease at risk, especially if you have diabetes, vascular problems, or other underlying diseases that make you more susceptible. Are you suffering nerve damage as a result of peripheral neuropathy of the hands and fingers? The best orthopedic surgeons in Fort Worth are located at the Fort Worth Hand Center. Our experienced doctors provide treatment options for chronic conditions, trauma, and injuries to get you back to being active. Whether you need traditional surgery or if non-surgical techniques work instead, our experienced doctors will explain all your options in detail and help you resume your favorite activities.
To schedule an appointment with the best orthopedic office in Fort Worth, call 817-877-3277 or fill out the form below. This information is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Before starting any new treatment or if you have questions about a medical condition, always seek the advice of your doctor or other qualified health provider. When you have peripheral neuropathy, you may have less sensitivity in your fingers and toes.
You may have problems with your balance. It can be difficult to do things that require coordination, such as walking or fastening buttons. Doctors don't always know what causes peripheral neuropathy. It is often caused by other health problems. It can also be inherited.
Peripheral neuropathy is a sign of a problem with nerve signals that travel between parts of the body and the brain. The effects of peripheral neuropathy depend on the cause, the nerves it affects, your medical history, the treatments you receive, and more. Duloxetine (Cymbalta), a serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor, and the extended-release antidepressants venlafaxine (Effexor XR) and desvenlafaxine (Pristiq) can also relieve pain caused by peripheral neuropathy caused by diabetes. Because peripheral neuropathy can reduce sensitivity in the hands and feet, sometimes driving isn't safe.
Inflammatory causes are lupus, Sjögren's syndrome, polyarteritis nodosa, acute and chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy, sarcoid and multiple sclerosis. For more information on peripheral neuropathy, including its causes and symptoms, read About Peripheral Neuropathy. The agency also notes that the figure does not include the many men and women who suffer from symptoms of neuropathy, but who have not been “officially diagnosed” with the condition. Healthcare providers often use the terms “neuropathy” and “polyneuropathy” (meaning “disease of many nerves”) interchangeably with “peripheral neuropathy.” To confirm the diagnosis and determine the cause, laboratory tests, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the brain and spinal cord, and special tests, such as nerve conduction studies and electromyography (EMG), a nerve biopsy, and a lumbar puncture may be performed.
Peripheral neuritis; peripheral neuropathy; peripheral neuritis; nerve disease; polyneuropathy; chronic pain: peripheral neuropathy. Peripheral nerves carry messages from the brain and spinal cord to muscles, organs and other body tissues.
