When people feel things they can’t explain, like stiffness, tingling, or pain, they often wonder if these symptoms could be signs of a more serious problem. A lot of people feel this way because they have neuropathy, a disease that hurts nerves and makes things hard. To make a correct evaluation and start the right treatment, it is important to know how neuropathy affects numbness. At South Valley Neurology, doctors can identify and treat these conditions, which helps people get back to a normal, comfortable life.
What Is Neuropathy?
Peripheral nerves are the nerves that are not in the brain or spinal cord. Neuropathy is damage or failure in these nerves. Brain to body messages are sent through these nerves, and body messages are sent through them. It is possible for these nerves to become damaged and cause numbness, tingling, burning feelings, and even weakness in the affected areas. Neuropathy can be caused by a number of things, such as diabetes, infections, accidents, and some medicines.
There are several types of neuropathy, with the most common being peripheral neuropathy. This type of neuropathy affects the arms, hands, legs, and feet, and often leads to the most noticeable symptoms, including numbness symptoms. Autonomic neuropathy affects the body’s internal systems. Cranial neuropathy damages the nerves that control how the eyes move and how the face feels.
The Link Between Neuropathy and Numbness Symptoms
One of the hallmark signs of neuropathy is numbness symptoms. Numbness occurs when the nerve fibers responsible for sensing touch, pressure, and temperature are impaired. This can make it hard to feel touch, heat, or cold in the places that are affected. In some cases, numbness may begin in the feet or hands, eventually spreading to other parts of the body if left untreated.
The numbness symptoms associated with neuropathy can vary in intensity, from mild tingling to complete loss of sensation. This loss of sensation can make individuals more prone to injury, as they may not be able to feel if they’ve cut or burned themselves. For example, in diabetic neuropathy, numbness in the feet can lead to foot ulcers or infections because the person may not feel any pain from a wound.
Causes of Neuropathy and Numbness
There are many potential causes of neuropathy and numbness. High blood sugar is one of the most common reasons. Over time, high blood sugar can damage nerves, which can lead to diabetic neuropathy. Other causes include:
- Injuries: Trauma to the nerves from accidents or surgeries can cause long-lasting damage and numbness symptoms.
- Infections: A lot of different viruses and germs can cause nerve damage, like Lyme disease and shingles.
- Medications: Some medications, especially chemotherapy drugs, can damage nerves and cause numbness symptoms.
- Autoimmune diseases: Nerve damage can also be caused by lupus or rheumatoid arthritis.
Diagnosis and Treatment at South Valley Neurology
Neuropathy is diagnosed at South Valley Neurology in a thorough way that starts with a thorough medical history and physical test. To find out how well the nerves are working, the neurologist may also offer other tests, such as nerve conduction studies or electromyography. Some people need imaging studies or blood tests to figure out what is causing their neuropathy.
Neuropathy can be treated in different ways, depending on what caused it in the first place. If numbness is caused by diabetes, controlling blood sugar levels is important to keep nerve damage from getting worse. Medications to ease pain and soreness, physical therapy to improve mobility, or changes to your lifestyle, like giving up smoking or losing weight, may also be used as treatments.
Neuropathy may be a long-term disease for some people that needs to be managed on a regular basis. With the right care and treatment, though, a lot of people can get their conditions under control and make their lives better.
Conclusion
Numbness symptoms are often caused by nerve damage, so there is a clear link between neuropathy and these symptoms. People can better spot possible problems and get treatment on time if they understand the connection between the two. Do not wait to contact South Valley Neurology if you are feeling numb or think you might have neuropathy. They can help you get an expert diagnosis and treatment. You can take charge of your health and stop these diseases from getting worse if you get the right diagnosis and care.