Neuropathy In The Legs And Feet

Today's post from dallasnaturaldoctor.com (see link below) is a short, general overview of neuropathy. It covers the main features but also leaves many aspects out. However, it will be useful reading for those people who are new to the symptoms of neuropathy and are wondering exactly what's wrong. After reading this, you may need to do more research, either here on this blog or elsewhere on the Net, as well as discussing the problem with your doctor. Remember, although many of the symptoms described here are pretty much universal, your treatment will depend on your own personal situation and there are over 100 causes and forms of neuropathy.
 

Neuropathy in the Legs
Author: Dr. Jade Malay Friday, April 25, 2014

Have you noticed numbness, tingling, or other painful sensations in your legs and feet? Does it ever feel like you are wearing socks even if you are completely barefoot? You may be suffering from something called peripheral neuropathy. Affecting over 20 million people in the United States, 1 out of every 3 people with diabetes suffers from peripheral neuropathy.

Overview of Neuropathy
 
Neuropathy in the legs is caused by damage to the peripheral nervous system. The peripheral nervous system is the network of nerves that sends and receives message being transmitted from the brain and spinal cord to the rest of the body.

Peripheral neuropathy disrupts and distorts the communication traveling between the central nervous system and specific parts of the body, such as the hands and feet. Symptoms can begin suddenly or gradually occur over an extended period of time, including days, weeks, months, or even years.

Causes of Neuropathy
 
Neuropathy can be inherited or acquired.
Inherited neuropathies fall under a group of disorders known as Charcot-Marie-Tooth Disease and are characterized by weakness and numbness in the lower extremities as well as compromised function of the feet and legs.
Infections and autoimmune disorders are often responsible for nerve damage and can lead to chronic inflammation, which then causes problems in neural communication.
Physical injuries or traumas damage nerves by compressing or severing them completely.
Systemic diseases, including endocrine and metabolic disorders, impair the body’s ability to assimilate nutrients into usable forms of fuel and energy.

Kidney disorders, hormonal imbalances, chronic inflammation, blood disorders, a toxic overload, excessive stress and cancer can all damage nerves and lead to neuropathy in the legs.
Diabetes is a key example of a systemic disease and is the leading cause of neuropathy in the United States.

Symptoms of Neuropathy
 
Neuropathy in the legs may be accompanied by symptoms such as pricking or prickling sensations known as paresthesia, muscular weakness, numbness, tingling, or sensitivity to touch. In more extreme cases, the muscles can atrophy to the point of being unusable; paralysis is also a possibility.

From a functional standpoint, neuropathy of the legs makes it difficult to walk as the legs may feel extremely heavy at times. The seemingly simple act of balancing becomes quite a challenge. Stumbling, bumping into things and falling are likely to result as the neuropathy progresses.

For diabetics, the risk for developing neuropathy in the legs increases with age as well as the length of time that you have had diabetes.

Treatment for Neuropathy
 
Effective treatment for neuropathy actually depends on the origin of the nerve damage. If the neuropathy is due to a controllable factor, such as a vitamin deficiency or medication, it can often be reversed by taking in the lacking vitamin or cutting out the specific medication. When neuropathy is a direct result of diabetes, careful blood sugar monitoring is key to slowing its progression and lessening the symptoms.

Early diagnosis is critical as the peripheral nerves in the legs have a limited ability to regenerate. If the nerve damage is severe, physical therapy and other treatments, including ultrasound and neuromuscular electrical stimulation, may be required to prevent cramping and spasms in the muscles. In these cases, neuropathy can be slowed by not necessarily reversed.

Mechanical aids, including braces and orthopedic shoes, might alleviate compression of the nerves and compensate for muscular imbalances. In extreme cases, surgical intervention is needed to release pressure on the nerves in order to prevent further damage.

A holistic and effective treatment plan should integrate functional exercises and stretching combined with a healthy diet that controls blood glucose levels. Chiropractic care, which reduces nerve impingement and muscular tension, can be extremely helpful as well.

http://dallasnaturaldoctor.com/neuropathy-legs/