EDUCATIONAL WRITE UP ON peripheral neuropathy
Peripheral neuropathy is loss of sensation, movement or function in the feet, legs. May be due to damage of the peripheral nerves. Your peripheral nerves are the nerves that travel to your arms and legs. When the nerves are damaged, they don’t function properly. People with peripheral neuropathy have decreased or abnormal sensation in their toes and fingers. Sometimes, they develop problems moving these parts of the body as well.
Causes
The most common cause of peripheral neuropathy is diabetes.
Other causes of peripheral neuropathy include: – Family history of peripheral neuropathy. Peripheral neuropathy is more common as people age.
Spina bifida and fibromyalgia, are associated with peripheral neuropathy.
Certain type of arthritis, especially involving the back, can cause peripheral neuropathy.
Long-term heavy alcohol users develop peripheral neuropathy.
Injury to the peripheral nerves due to trauma may also cause peripheral neuropathy.
Symptoms
Most of the patients are unaware they only come to clinician once they develop wound or discharge.
The most common symptoms of peripheral neuropathy include burning, numbness, tingling, or shooting or stabbing pain in the toes and/or fingertips. Any change in sensation in the fingers or toes may be a symptom of peripheral neuropathy. Patients should make sure to report any abnormal sensations to diabetic foot surgeon. Those sensations may be the first sign of another problem, such as diabetes. Because of abnormal sensation you might stamp on thorn, foreign body and still might be unaware.
Home Care
If you have peripheral neuropathy, it is important to inspect your feet regularly. Because decreased sensation may develop over a period of time.
Regularly inspect your feet so you can note any injuries or infections and seek appropriate treatment at the earliest.
If you’re unable to properly inspect your own feet, tell your family member or friend to help you, or use a mirror yourself.
People with peripheral neuropathy should wear properly fitted shoes and avoid walking barefoot to prevent injury. If you have diabetes, it’s important to control your blood sugar as well, because out-of-control blood sugar leads to increased nerve damage. Take your insulin or medication as prescribed and follow the recommended diet.
There is no known cure for peripheral neuropathy.
The goal of treatment is to slow the progression of the disease, to maintain foot health, and to decrease pain (if present) and improve the quality of life.
Prevention
A healthy diet, increased physical activity, and well-controlled blood sugars, along with regular visits to your diabetic foot surgeon may help to avoid complications of diabetes such as peripheral neuropathy and further foot infections and hence gangrene and prevent amputation.