Suppose you experience numbness, weakness, and pain in your hands and feet; you might have peripheral neuropathy. More than 50% of people with diabetes are likely to encounter peripheral neuropathy symptoms. Proper management of blood sugars can help prevent and relieve your symptoms. When not treated, the symptoms of peripheral neuropathy may become worse. The Bakersfield peripheral neuropathy specialist at Diabetic Foot and Wound Center offers comprehensive diagnosis and treatment for peripheral neuropathy to relieve symptoms and prevent complications. This article will give information on how to deal with peripheral neuropathy.

What is peripheral neuropathy?

It is a health condition that develops when your peripheral nerves experience permanent damage. Typically, the peripheral nerves transmit information from the brain to the spinal cord to the rest of the body parts. They also convey sensory signals back to the central nervous system.

Peripheral neuropathy causes nerve damage in your overall body, even the lower extremities. Nerve damage causes you not to feel pain, such that even when a wound forms, you are likely not to notice. Without treatment, the wound may develop to get infections.

What are the symptoms of peripheral neuropathy?

Symptoms are different for everyone, depending on the type of nerves damaged. Your body has various types of nerves, including motor, sensory, and autonomic nerves.

The following are the common signs of peripheral neuropathy:

  •         Muscle weakness
  •         Extreme sensitivity to touch
  •         Sharp burning or throbbing pain
  •         Falling
  •         Lack of coordination
  •         Numbness or tingling sensations in your feet or hands

You may also experience pain when you put weight on your feet or pull a blanket over your skin.

What are the causes of peripheral neuropathy?

Different factors can cause peripheral neuropathy, including the following:

  •         Diabetes
  •         Tumors
  •         Infections
  •         Autoimmune diseases
  •         Exposure to toxins
  •         Alcoholism
  •         Certain medications
  •         Bone marrow disorders
  •         Exposure to toxins

Your risk for developing peripheral neuropathy may also increase if you have conditions such as:

  •         Liver disease
  •         Kidney disease
  •         Hypothyroidism

Diagnosis of peripheral neuropathy?

Your provider performs a thorough evaluation, including a physical and neurological exam. They also check your medical history and discuss your family history of neurological issues, lifestyle, and drinking habits.

Besides, your provider may request blood tests to determine whether you have diabetes or vitamin deficiencies. Other tests include nerve function tests, CT scans, and MRI.

Treatment for peripheral neuropathy

The team at Diabetic Foot and Wound Center offers alternative and conservative treatment options for peripheral neuropathy. Your treatment focuses on minimizing the pain and promoting life quality.

Your treatment option depends on the severity of your symptoms. It may include the following:

  •         Pain medications
  •         Antidepressants
  •         Topical treatments
  •         Physical therapy
  •         Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation
  •         Intravenous immune globulin therapy
  •         Plasma exchange

In severe cases, surgery might be necessary.

How to prevent peripheral neuropathy?

The best treatment lies in the prevention measures. You can prevent peripheral neuropathy through the following measures.

  •         Blood sugar control
  •         Regular exercise
  •         Quitting smoking
  •         Healthy weight and blood pressure management
  •         Reducing alcohol intake

Peripheral neuropathy may cause health complications when not treated. Consider checking with your provider when you first notice the symptoms. Contact Diabetic Foot and Wound Center to schedule your consultation.