People can develop nerve damage because they are deficient in certain vitamins. The deficiencies that are most likely to cause this are copper and vitamins. 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 of them, 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. Peripheral neuropathy is damage to peripheral nerves. Peripheral nerves are the nerves that go to the arms and legs. When nerves are damaged, they don't work properly. People with peripheral neuropathy have decreased or abnormal sensitivity in their toes and hands.
Sometimes, they also have trouble moving these parts of the body. In the United States, the most common cause of peripheral neuropathy is diabetes. According to the American Diabetes Association, 60 to 70 percent of people with diabetes will develop neuropathy over the course of their lives. If you have peripheral neuropathy, it's important to have your feet inspected regularly.
Since sensitivity may decrease over time, you may not notice an injury or infection. A person who has diabetes and peripheral neuropathy with loss of protective sensitivity, for example, might step on a track without realizing it. Inspect your feet regularly for any injuries or infections and to seek appropriate medical attention as needed. People with peripheral neuropathy should wear well-fitting shoes and avoid walking barefoot to avoid injury.
If you have diabetes, it's also important to control your blood sugar level, as an out-of-control blood sugar level causes increased nerve damage. Take insulin or medications as prescribed and follow the recommended diet. Everyone who has symptoms of peripheral foot neuropathy should see a podiatrist. Podiatrists are doctors who are specially trained to preserve foot health. A podiatrist, family doctor, internist, or doctor who specializes in diabetes can diagnose peripheral neuropathy.
The diagnosis is made based on a physical exam, your medical history, and your notification of symptoms. Your doctor may order a blood test to check your blood sugar level, since high blood sugar levels and diabetes are a major cause of peripheral neuropathy. There is no known cure for peripheral neuropathy. The goal of treatments is to slow the progression of the disease, maintain foot health, reduce pain (if any) and improve quality of life.
The podiatrist may prescribe oral medications to ease symptoms. He will also do a thorough examination of your feet for any injuries or infections and will teach you how to do the same. The podiatrist will also show you how to care for your feet at home. People who have peripheral neuropathy should have their feet examined by a podiatrist at least once a year.
Following a healthy diet, increasing physical activity and managing blood sugar levels well, together with regular visits to the podiatrist, can help prevent diabetes complications, such as peripheral neuropathy. Peripheral neuropathy (PEH-rih-feh-rul noor-ah-puh-thee) is the term used to describe changes that occur when nerves are damaged peripherals. Peripheral nerves are all of the nerves outside the brain and spinal cord. They send messages from the brain and spinal cord to the rest of the body.
Diabetes is one of the leading causes of peripheral neuropathy in the United States. Peripheral neuropathy can also be caused by an injury, such as a back injury. Chemotherapy can also cause peripheral neuropathy. The condition is related to autoimmune diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis and chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy, and may be related to an inherited disorder, such as Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease, which causes weakness in the lower leg and muscle atrophy in the hands.
