Peripheral neuropathy occurs when the peripheral nerves (the nerves that are found outside the spinal cord and brain) are damaged. The damage may be caused by injury, exposure to toxins, infection or illness. Another common cause of peripheral neuropathy is diabetes.
If you have peripheral neuropathy, you can expect to experience one or more of the following symptoms. If you notice these indications of peripheral neuropathy, discuss your condition with your doctor to determine the best course of treatment:
- Numbness: Peripheral neuropathy typically begins with numbness in the fingers or toes. From here, it may spread to your hands or feet.
- Invisible glove/sock: If you suffer from peripheral neuropathy, you may experience a sensation of wearing an invisible sock or glove on your feet or hands.
- Burning: Peripheral neuropathy can cause a burning sensation in your hands or feet.
- Freezing: Some people experience a freezing sensation, rather than burning, in their feet or hands.
- Sharp pain: At times, peripheral neuropathy can cause a sharp pain that feels like jabbing or electrical shock.
- Sensitivity: Peripheral neuropathy can cause severe sensitivity to touch.
- Sleep issues: Due to the pain in your legs or feet, peripheral neuropathy can cause difficulties with sleep.
- Coordination problems: The diminished feeling in the hands and feet can cause loss of balance and coordination issues.
- Weakness: Peripheral neuropathy can cause weakness in the muscles.
- Mobility issues: You may have difficulty moving your arms or walking if you experience peripheral neuropathy.
- Sweating: Peripheral neuropathy can cause an unusual amount of sweating to occur.
- Abnormal blood pressure: You may experience abnormal pulse or blood pressure due to peripheral neuropathy.
- Sudden/slow symptoms: Peripheral neuropathy may develop slowly over several years, or it can come on suddenly.
- Periodic/constant: The symptoms of peripheral neuropathy may be occasional, periodic or constant.
- Dual symptoms: Usually, people who experience peripheral neuropathy feel pain on both sides, in the left and right feet or hands.
- Motor/sensory/autonomic: The human body contains three types of peripheral nerves: motor, sensory and autonomic. Which type of nerves have been affected by peripheral neuropathy determines the exact symptoms you will experience. The neuropathy may affect one, two or all three types of nerves.
NEXT STEPS
If you experience any of these symptoms, consult with a neurologist who can recommend treatment to reduce the symptoms and help you manage the neuropathy. Look for a chiropractic neurologist who specializes in treating peripheral nerve problems.
GET RELIEF
If you are suffering from the effects of peripheral neuropathy, contact Dr. Richard Hiler. Dr. Hiler is a board-certified chiropractic neurologist who graduated from Life University of Chiropractic in Atlanta, GA. As a chiropractic neurologist, he is equipped to diagnose and treat peripheral nerve problems as well as balance and vertigo/dizziness conditions. With postgraduate training in orthopedic rehabilitation, he is also skilled in treating conditions of the shoulder, elbow, wrist, knee, ankle and foot.
Dr. Hiler takes pride in helping patients achieve their best health. Contact Dr. Hiler today at 239-330-1000 to schedule your appointment. We look forward to helping you feel your best.
