Neuropathy In The Hands

Another article from ezinearticles.com (see link below) in today's post. It talks about neuropathy when it affects the hands. Most people with neuropathy have problems in their feet and legs but a significant percentage also suffer symptoms in their hands. This informative article by David L. Greene looks at what happens when the hands are affected. Once diagnosed, the treatments will generally follow the course of most forms of neuropathy (treatments for neuropathy can be found by looking at the alphabetical list to the right of the blog.)

An Overview of Peripheral Neuropathy in the Hands

By David L Greene

 

Symptoms of Hand Neuropathy
The feet are the most common areas affected by neuropathy; however, a similar type of neuropathy can occur in the hands. This type of neuropathy is typically peripheral neuropathy, which is the same kind that affects the feet in some cases.

Similar symptoms that occur in the feet often occur in the hands. In people who suffer from Distal Symmetrical Polyneuropathy, symptoms may occur in both the feet and hands, known as a 'stocking and glove' pattern.

The most common symptoms of hand neuropathy include:
· Burning sensation in the hands
· Hand numbness
· Pain that can be severe at times and radiates into the wrist and fingers
· Tingling hands
· Weakness of the hand that results in the inability to grasp or lift items

Other symptoms that are less common but may still occur in those with hand neuropathy are pain and burning in the fingers and finger numbness. Stomach upset, indigestion and constipation may also occur in those affected with more severe cases of neuropathy.

Many symptoms associated with hand neuropathy appear over a period of months or years. Rarely do they appear suddenly; however in some instances symptoms may develop and worsen with in days or weeks.

When the symptoms initiate in the fingers, the same sensations may spread into the hands and arms. These sensations typically start at a prickly feeling that turns into burning and tingling.

In many cases pain, burning and muscle weakness may worsen at night. Shooting pain may occur when a person lies down to go to sleep. The muscles begin to relax and the pain becomes more noticeable.

In extreme cases of neuropathy of the hands, a person may lose the ability to hold objects, stand or even walk. Peripheral neuropathy can affect the nerves that control automatic functions such as heartbeat, bowel function or bladder control. There are a number of symptoms and problems that may develop as a direct result of these issues.

Symptoms are more likely to occur in adults over the age of 55 or 60 and older. The nerve damage and symptoms associated with the condition are more severe in people with diabetes mellitus. The longer a person has lived with diabetes the more likely they are to develop neuropathy in the hands and feet.

If you experience symptoms that may be caused by neuropathy, it is important to have them checked out right away. A trained neuropathy specialist can design a strategic treatment plan to get you back on track.

http://ezinearticles.com/?An-Overview-of-Peripheral-Neuropathy-in-the-Hands&id=7282443