Home » Conditions » Peripheral Neuropathy
While peripheral neuropathy can affect the peripheral nerves anywhere in the body, the hands and feet are most often affected. The peripheral nerves are responsible for sending messages throughout the body that originate in the central nervous system.
The different nerves that are part of the peripheral nervous system all have their own functions. The symptoms that a patient experiences depends on which nerves are damaged. The following symptoms are possible:
When this condition is not maintained, there is the risk for complications including:
Since medical conditions and certain medications are a common cause of peripheral neuropathy, it is common to start the diagnostic process with a medical history. This will let the doctor see if the patient has a condition that is associated with this disorder. After this, the doctor might perform a physical examination, paying close attention to the feet or other area affected by this condition.
A neurological examination allows the doctor to better assess the patient’s nerve functioning. This testing may include evaluating the patient’s muscle tone and strength, coordination, tendon reflexes, posture, and ability to detect sensations. Other tests might include:
It is important that the underlying condition be managed to reduce the risk of peripheral neuropathy becoming worse. To help alleviate a patient’s symptoms, the following medications might be recommended:
There are certain treatments that might be considered for people with peripheral neuropathy. These may include:
The best way to reduce the risk of developing this condition is to make sure that your general health is maintained. For example, if you have diabetes, maintaining good blood sugar control can reduce the risk of peripheral neuropathy. Other preventative measures include:
If you suspect that you may have peripheral neuropathy, you should talk to their doctor. As the condition progresses, it can make it hard to walk or increase the risk of infection in the foot. Proper management can help people to take better care of the affected areas.
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