Peripheral neuropathy is a condition in which the peripheral nerves, which are the nerves outside the brain and spinal cord, are damaged. It can cause various symptoms, including numbness, tingling, weakness, and pain in the hands and feet. The cause of peripheral neuropathy can be due to several things, including diabetes, certain infections, exposure to toxins, and certain inherited genetic disorders. Treatment options can include medications to manage symptoms, physical therapy, and in some cases, surgery.
How common is Peripheral Neuropathy?
Peripheral neuropathy is a relatively common condition[1] affecting millions worldwide. The exact prevalence of peripheral neuropathy is difficult to determine, as various underlying conditions can cause it. However, it is estimated that around 20 million people in the United States alone have peripheral neuropathy.
Some people are at a higher risk of developing peripheral neuropathy, such as those with diabetes, people exposed to certain toxins, and those with specific inherited genetic disorders. Specific medical treatments, like chemotherapy, can also cause peripheral neuropathy.
It’s also worth mentioning that the incidence of peripheral neuropathy increases with age. And the symptoms can vary widely depending on the underlying cause and the severity and extent of nerve damage.
Who is affected more by peripheral neuropathy, men or women?
Peripheral neuropathy can affect both men and women[2], and the prevalence is similar between the sexes. However, certain underlying conditions that can cause peripheral neuropathy, such as diabetes and certain inherited genetic disorders, are more common in certain groups of people. For example, diabetes is more common in men than women, and certain inherited genetic disorders are more common in certain ethnic groups.
Also, certain risk factors may affect more men or women, such as alcohol abuse, which is more common in men and can cause peripheral neuropathy. Certain occupations that expose people to toxins, such as farming or factory work, are more likely to be held by men.
Who needs to be extra careful to prevent peripheral neuropathy
Certain groups of people may be at a higher risk[3] of developing peripheral neuropathy and should be extra cautious to prevent it. These include:
- People with diabetes: Diabetes is a leading cause of peripheral neuropathy. Those with diabetes should closely monitor their blood sugar levels and take steps to manage their diabetes to prevent nerve damage.
- People with a family history of inherited neuropathies: Some forms of peripheral neuropathy are inherited. People with a family history of inherited neuropathies should be aware of the risk and take steps to prevent nerve damage.
- People who drink alcohol excessively: Alcohol abuse can cause peripheral neuropathy. Those who drink excessively should be aware of the risk and take steps to reduce their alcohol consumption.
- People with kidney disease: Chronic kidney disease can cause nerve damage. Those with kidney disease should be aware of the risk and take steps to manage their condition.
- People who are exposed to toxins: Certain occupations or hobbies that expose people to toxins, such as farming or working in a factory, can increase the risk of peripheral neuropathy, and those who are exposed to toxins should take steps to protect themselves.
- People with autoimmune diseases: People with autoimmune diseases, such as lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, or Guillain-Barre syndrome, are more likely to develop peripheral neuropathy.
In general, it is essential to maintain a healthy lifestyle, avoid exposure to toxins, and address any underlying medical conditions that may increase the risk of peripheral neuropathy.
How dangerous can peripheral neuropathy be?
Peripheral neuropathy can range from mild inconvenience to a debilitating condition, depending on the severity and extent of nerve damage[4]. The danger of peripheral neuropathy depends on many factors, including the underlying cause and the specific symptoms that a person experiences.
In general, the main danger of peripheral neuropathy is its potential to cause significant pain, numbness, and weakness in the limbs, which can lead to difficulty performing daily activities. In some cases, peripheral neuropathy can cause severe and chronic pain that can severely affect a person’s quality of life.
In addition, peripheral neuropathy can also cause problems with balance and coordination, increasing the risk of falls and injuries, particularly in older adults. In severe cases, peripheral neuropathy can lead to muscle weakness, atrophy, and paralysis.
In the case of diabetes, peripheral neuropathy can also lead to foot ulcers and amputations.
It’s important to note that early diagnosis and treatment of peripheral neuropathy can help to prevent further nerve damage and to manage symptoms. Hence, you must see a doctor if you experience any symptoms of peripheral neuropathy.
A possible complication of peripheral neuropathy patients
Peripheral neuropathy can lead to many complications[5], depending on the underlying cause and the severity of nerve damage. Some possible complications of peripheral neuropathy include:
- Chronic pain: Peripheral neuropathy can cause significant pain and discomfort, affecting a person’s quality of life.
- Difficulty walking and balance problems: Peripheral neuropathy can cause problems with balance and coordination, which can increase the risk of falls and injuries, particularly in older adults.
- Foot problems: Peripheral neuropathy can cause numbness in the feet, leading to injuries and foot ulcers, particularly in people with diabetes.
- Autonomic neuropathy: Peripheral neuropathy can also affect the autonomic nervous system, which controls functions such as blood pressure, heart rate, and digestion. It can lead to various symptoms, such as difficulty regulating blood pressure, digestive problems, and sexual dysfunction.
- Depression and anxiety: Peripheral neuropathy can also affect a person’s mental health, as the chronic pain and disability associated with the condition can lead to depression and anxiety.
- Increased risk of infections: It can impair the immune system, increasing the risk of diseases, particularly in the feet.
It’s important to note that early diagnosis and treatment of peripheral neuropathy can help to prevent further nerve damage and to manage symptoms. Hence, you must see a doctor if you experience any symptoms of peripheral neuropathy.
How physiotherapy provides benefits to a patient with peripheral neuropathy
Physical therapy[6] can benefit patients with peripheral neuropathy. Some ways that physiotherapy can help include:
- Pain management: Physical therapy can help to manage pain associated with peripheral neuropathy. Techniques such as exercise, massage, and heat or cold treatment can help to reduce pain and improve function.
- Improving mobility and balance: Peripheral neuropathy can cause problems with balance and coordination, which can increase the risk of falls and injuries. Physical therapy can help to improve mobility and balance through exercises and training.
- Increasing muscle strength and endurance: Peripheral neuropathy can cause muscle weakness, making it difficult to perform daily activities. Physical therapy can help to increase muscle strength and endurance through exercises and training.
- Improving range of motion: Peripheral neuropathy can cause stiffness and limited range of motion in the affected limbs. Physical therapy can help enhance activity content through stretching and range-of-motion exercises.
- Improving circulation: Peripheral neuropathy can cause poor circulation, leading to foot problems and other complications. Physical therapy can help to improve circulation through exercises and techniques such as massage.
- Improving overall function: Physical therapy can help to improve overall function and quality of life for people with peripheral neuropathy. By managing pain and improving mobility, balance, and muscle strength, physical therapy can help to make it easier for people with peripheral neuropathy to perform daily activities.
Peripheral neuropathy is a condition in which the peripheral nerves, which are the nerves outside the brain and spinal cord, are damaged. It can cause various symptoms, including numbness, tingling, weakness, and pain in the hands and feet. The cause of peripheral neuropathy can be due to several things, including diabetes, certain infections, exposure to toxins, and certain inherited genetic disorders.
Peripheral neuropathy can range from mild inconvenience to a debilitating condition, depending on the severity and extent of nerve damage. The danger of peripheral neuropathy depends on several factors, including the underlying cause and the specific symptoms that a person experiences.
Physical therapy can provide several benefits for patients with peripheral neuropathy, such as pain management, improved mobility and balance, increased muscle strength and endurance, improved range of motion, and circulation.
Diagnosing peripheral neuropathy early and addressing any underlying causes is vital to prevent further nerve damage. In addition, a combination of medications, physiotherapy, and lifestyle changes can help manage symptoms and improve the quality of life for people with peripheral neuropathy.
Reference
Peripheral neuropathy
Peripheral Neuropathy
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/14737-peripheral-neuropathy
Understanding Peripheral Neuropathy — the Basics
https://www.webmd.com/brain/understanding-peripheral-neuropathy-basics
Peripheral Neuropathy
https://www.ninds.nih.gov/health-information/disorders/peripheral-neuropathy
Peripheral Neuropathy
peripheral neuropathy
Assistant professor, Dhaka College of Physiotherapy
Chief Consultant(Ex): Popular Medical college Hospital, Dhanmondi- 2.
Chairman and Chief Consultant: ASPC Manipulation Therapy Centre, Nurjahan Road, Mohammadpur.
Founder and conceptual inventor: Structural Diagnosis and Management (SDM) concept.
Secretary: Centre for the Rehabilitation of Autism and Person with Disabilities (CARD).
Secretary-General: Bangladesh Physiotherapy Association (BPA).
Phone +88 01712-867364
Email aspc.dhaka@gmail.com
Website https://aspc.com.bd
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