Tuesday 31 October 2017

Neuropathy: A Simple Symptoms Guide

Today's post from diabetes.org (see link below) is short, to the point and aimed at diabetics, although as most neuropathy patients will now know, the symptoms and treatment are pretty much the same for most forms of neuropathy, whatever the cause. It's useful for people who are experiencing these strange symptoms for the first time and need to know what's going on. If you're suffering from one or more of the symptoms described below, talk to your doctor and tell him or her, you're afraid you may have nerve damage - it will save time and lead to better and faster testing and treatment. Unfortunately, you may be at the beginning of a long period of living with this condition, but it's better you know what's happening in your body as quickly as possible. Much more information can be found by exploring the subject list to the right of this blog.


Peripheral Neuropathy
Last Reviewed: June 7, 2013
Last Edited: December 5, 2013


Symptoms

Look at the list below, make a note about any symptoms you have and share it with your doctor during your next office visit. 


Tingling
My feet tingle.
I feel "pins and needles" in my feet.
Pain or Increased Sensitivity
I have burning, stabbing or shooting pains in my feet.
My feet are very sensitive to touch. For example, sometimes it hurts to have the bed covers touch my feet.
Sometimes I feel like I have socks or gloves on when I don't.
My feet hurt at night.
My feet and hands get very cold or very hot.
Numbness or Weakness
My feet are numb and feel dead.
I don't feel pain in my feet, even when I have blisters or injuries.
I can't feel my feet when I'm walking.
The muscles in my feet and legs are weak.
I'm unsteady when I stand or walk.
I have trouble feeling heat or cold in my feet or hands.
Other
It seems like the muscles and bones in my feet have changed shape.
I have open sores (also called ulcers) on my feet and legs. These sores heal very slowly. 


Diagnosis
Foot Exams

Your health care provider should look at your feet at each office visit to check for injuries, sores, blisters or other problems. As a reminder, take off your shoes and socks when you're in the exam room.

Have a complete foot exam once a year. If you already have foot problems, have your feet checked more often. A complete foot exam includes a check of the skin on your feet, your foot muscles and bones, and your blood flow. Your provider will also check for numbness in your feet by touching your foot with a monofilament. It looks like a stiff piece of nylon fishing line or a bristle in a hairbrush.

Other ways to check your nerves include using a tuning fork. It may be touched to your foot to see if you can feel it moving. 


Nerve Conduction Studies and Electromyography (EMG)

If the doctor thinks you might have nerve damage, you may have tests that look at how well the nerves in your arms and legs are working. Nerve conduction studies check the speed with which nerves send messages. An EMG checks how your nerves and muscles work together.


Treatment

To treat nerve damage, you will need to keep your blood glucose levels in your target range, manage your pain and protect your feet. Many people get depressed when they have nerve damage and may need medication for depression as well as counseling.
Medications

Medications to relieve pain and reduce burning, numbness and tingling are available. Some of these are known for their use in other conditions but they still seem to help those with nerve damage.

Speak with your doctor to find out what treatments are best for you.


http://www.diabetes.org/living-with-diabetes/complications/neuropathy/peripheral-neuropathy.html

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