Peripheral neuropathy involves the peripheral nerves — nerves that are outside of the brain and spinal cord. When they become damaged, faulty signaling happens and the brain becomes confused.
The symptoms of peripheral neuropathy can definitely meddle with your daily living. People who have it usually report of pain in the hands and feet, which is referred to by medical experts as “neuropathic pain”. Oftentimes, burning or tingling sensation is also a complaint. There is also marked weakness of the affected areas of the body.
Causes of peripheral neuropathy include inflammation, laceration or compression to the peripheral nerve, which can stem from an underlying medical condition oftentimes.
The following are some of the things that can put you at risk of having peripheral neuropathy:
- An injury. Engaging in sports or extreme physical activities, or figuring in an accident that can cause trauma or damage to the nerve can lead to peripheral neuropathy.
- Stress. Do you perform repetitive and vigorous movements of a limb? Such can cause inflammation of the muscles, tendons and ligaments in the body part, which can result in the compression of a nerve.
- Excessive alcohol intake. There is the so-called “alcoholic neuropathy” which is due to alcohol abuse. Experts say that up to 50 percent of alcoholics will develop it.
- Toxin exposure. Whether coming from the environment or an ingredient of a drug, certain toxins can impede proper circulation, thus hampering the supply of oxygen and nutrients to a nerve.
- Kidney disease. Speaking of toxins, your kidneys are one of your organs that help remove them. Naturally, poorly-functioning kidneys can cause toxin accumulation, potentially leading to peripheral neuropathy.
- Liver problem. Just like your kidneys, your liver is also an organ that helps detoxify the body. If it becomes diseased, it’s very much likely for peripheral neuropathy to take place.
- Certain infections. There are a number of infections that can trigger peripheral neuropathy as they cause inflammation. Some examples include hepatitis C and HIV.
- An autoimmune disease. When the person’s very own immune system attacks even the healthy cells or tissues of the body, it’s called an autoimmune disease. One of the things that may be attacked is nerve tissue.
- Vitamin B12 deficiency. An important nutrient for healthy nerves is vitamin B12. Naturally, being deficient in the said nutrient can lead to a host of nerve-related issues.
- Thyroid problem. Numerous bodily processes can be affected if you have a condition affecting the thyroid. Experts say that a thyroid problem can sometimes have the same impact on the nerves as diabetes.
- Diabetes. Speaking of diabetes, this medical condition is commonly associated with peripheral neuropathy. It is said that around 50 percent of all people with diabetes will have peripheral neuropathy.
