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. Diabetes is the most common cause of peripheral neuropathy in the UK. Neuropathy can also be caused by other health problems and by certain medications.
The condition has many potential causes, hundreds, in fact, although most are rare. The most common causes of neuropathy are diabetes, vitamin deficiencies (the most important being vitamin B12 deficiency), chemotherapy, exposure to toxins, alcoholism, certain infections (such as hepatitis and HIV), and genetic conditions. These problems cause cumulative nerve damage and, over time, take a toll. Patients with diabetes who have high blood sugar levels may develop neuropathy, which damages nerves in the foot.
In fact, over time, neuropathy can manifest in up to 60% of diabetics. Patients with chronic diabetes are more susceptible to neuropathy, and poorly controlled blood sugar levels can aggravate the disease. To avoid or control neuropathy, patients with diabetes must keep their blood sugar levels under control. Excessive alcoholism can damage nerves and cause neuropathy, especially in the hands and feet.
Up to 50% of people who consume large amounts of alcohol are thought to develop peripheral neuropathy. Withdrawal can reverse alcohol-induced neuropathy, but in severe cases, nerve damage may be irreversible. To avoid or control neuropathy, alcohol consumption should be kept to a minimum. The diagnosis of neuropathy in the feet usually begins with a thorough examination of the patient's medical history.
The doctor will ask about the nature, severity and duration of the patient's symptoms, as well as any pre-existing conditions. This helps diagnose foot neuropathy and determine its underlying causes, such as diabetes or exposure to toxins or medications. When it comes to identifying the cause of foot neuropathy, blood tests are invaluable. Metabolic problems, autoimmune diseases such as lupus or rheumatoid arthritis, and vitamin deficiencies are examples of these ailments.
These blood tests can help in the diagnosis of neuropathy by looking for certain indicators or abnormalities. Some antibodies, for example, may indicate the presence of an autoimmune disease, while high blood sugar levels may indicate diabetes. To effectively treat neuropathy, it's essential to understand its underlying cause. Peripheral neuropathy can be caused by health conditions such as diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, kidney disease, Lyme disease, shingles, and hepatitis.
Other conditions that can cause peripheral neuropathy include poor blood flow to the legs (often caused by peripheral artery disease or PAD), an underactive thyroid gland (hypothyroidism), metabolic problems, nutritional deficiencies, and growths or tumors that press on nerves. Often described as severe throbbing, throbbing, or throbbing pain, neuralgia can result from nerve damage, irritation, or dysfunction. Possible causes include infection, pressure (caused by a blood vessel, tumor, ligament, or bone), certain medications, injury, and certain conditions, such as diabetes, multiple sclerosis, and chronic kidney disease. And in extreme cases, surgery can be used to destroy nerves or repair injuries that cause pain and neuropathic symptoms.
Anticonvulsants such as gabapentin and pregabalin are often used to treat neuropathic pain and delay nerve hyperactivity.
