Peripheral Neuropathy: How Bad Can It Get?

In the United States, over 20 million people suffer from peripheral neuropathy, and in the UK, every 10th person over 55 suffers from the condition.

It is common for diabetics to develop neuropathy (60-70% of diabetic patients), but there are other causes as well. A person of any age can develop it, but those over 65 are more likely to get it.

To answer the frequently asked question about neuropathy here is more information:

Is Peripheral Neuropathy Possible to Get Serious? ’.

To begin with, exactly what is peripheral neuropathy?

Neuropathy, also known as peripheral neuropathy, is a type of damage to the nervous system. Nervous systems comprise two main parts in the human body:

Nervous systems, both central and peripheral.

The brain and spinal cord form the first, while nerves branch off the spinal cord and extend throughout the body to form the second.

Consequently, peripheral neuropathy refers to damage to the nerves in the body's extremities; those originating from the spinal cord to the legs, feet, arms, and hands.

Peripheral Nervous System: What is its Function and What Happens When It's Damaged?

The peripheral nervous system contains several types of nerves, each with a different function. Among them are:

Motor nerves: Control muscle movements and actions in the feet, arms, hands, and legs.
Sensory nerves: These transmit sensations such as temperature, pain, pressure, and touch.
Autonomic nerves: These nerves control involuntary physiological processes, such as sexual arousal, digestion, blood pressure, respiration, and heart rate.

Damage or dysfunction of these nerves can lead to loss of feeling, numbness, tingling, and general weakness in the affected area.

The Causes of Peripheral Neuropathy?

Peripheral neuropathy is most commonly caused by diabetes, both type 1 and type 2. The peripheral nerves are damaged by high blood sugar levels. The following factors can also contribute

Drinking too much alcohol
Toxins or medication side effects
There are inherited causes
Injuries caused by trauma
Infections caused by viruses, such as shingles
Problems with metabolism.

What Are the Signs of Peripheral Neuropathy?

Numbness, loss of touch sensation, tingling needlelike sensations in the hands and feet, stabbing pain from the affected area, and burning sensation are some of the early symptoms of peripheral neuropathy.

It is important to note that most peripheral neuropathy victims suffer from foot problems. Foot neuropathy manifests as muscle weakness, loss of balance and coordination, ulcers, and cuts on the feet that do not heal, as well as the loss of feeling in the feet in the early stages.

Is it necessary to see a doctor if you have the condition?

What is the maximum severity of peripheral neuropathy?

Most of these symptoms are constant when the disease starts, but they may fluctuate. Consequently, people ignore the problem and take painkillers to relieve their pain. Please do not ignore any of the signs of peripheral neuropathy. Despite its appearance, this issue can lead to serious consequences.

To diagnose and treat the condition, patients must visit a physician at the first sign of the condition. In most cases, the problem can be easily treated and sometimes cured, despite being a complex one. It is still possible to control and manage many nerve disorders, even those without a cure so that further damage to the nerves is prevented.

Is Peripheral Neuropathy a Serious Illness?

In the absence of treatment, neuropathy can gradually damage more nerves and result in permanent damage. People may suffer from foot ulcers and other complications, resulting in serious blood loss or bacterial infections.

Gangrene is the result of the complete death of body tissue. The foot is amputation as a result of what started as a simple tingling sensation.

Autonomic nerve damage is even worse. Physiological processes such as digestion, blood pressure, respiration, and heart rate are regulated by them.

Peripheral neuropathy causes severe sores on the feet

When peripheral neuropathy affects these nerves, it can disrupt the heart's and circulation's automatic functions, causing cardiovascular autonomic neuropathy.

As a result, you might need treatments to raise your blood pressure or a pacemaker to control the rhythm of your heart.

You can contact our office at 949-588-8833, or visit our website at https://www.ocfootdoctor.com. Our offices are in Laguna Hills, Irvine, Mission Viejo, Aliso Viejo, Lake Forest, Foothill Ranch, and Costa Mesa.

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The information contained above is intended for general reference purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice or a medical exam. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health professionals before starting any new treatment. Health information on this website MUST NOT be used to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease without the supervision of your doctor.