Why You Should Never Ignore Neuropathic Pain
You recognize neuropathic pain as shooting or burning pain in your hands and feet and even in your legs and arms. The pain can be constant, but it may also come and go. Neuropathic pain can be resolved if it’s diagnosed. But if you ignore symptoms, it can progress to a very disabling condition.
Ignoring neuropathic pain does not make it go away. Neuropathic pain may indicate that you have some type of nerve damage or a change in nerve function. Without management, neuropathy can lead to crippling pain and disability.
Causes of neuropathy
Sometimes, the cause of your neuropathy is not known or idiopathic. But often, neuropathy is caused due to alcoholism, chemotherapy, or complications from conditions such as cancer or multiple sclerosis. Diabetes is a common cause of neuropathy — high blood sugar levels damage nerves. Herniated discs, arthritis of the spine, and thyroid problems can also be the root cause of the problem.
Many of these causes can be managed with treatment, relieving your neuropathy. Neuropathy can’t be cured, but its progression can be slowed.
Types of neuropathy
Your neuropathy can show up as damage to a single peripheral nerve, called mononeuropathy. Carpal tunnel syndrome is an example of this condition. Often injury or trauma causes mononeuropathy; if ignored, it can lead to permanent dysfunction.
Polyneuropathy is the most common type of peripheral neuropathy. It affects multiple peripheral nerves throughout the body — all these nerves malfunction at the same time. Diabetic neuropathy is a form of polyneuropathy.
In extreme cases, a version of neuropathy known as autonomic neuropathy can even affect your internal organs, including your heart, bladder, or intestines.
Symptoms of neuropathy
If you have symptoms of neuropathy, seek help at St. Rose Integrative Medical Center. Symptoms include pain and numbness in your hands and feet. Some people describe neuropathic pain as burning. Your pain and numbness may be intermittent or always present. Neuropathy is a sign that parts of your body aren’t receiving enough nutrients, oxygen, or blood circulation.
Progression of neuropathy
As neuropathy progresses, it can affect the nerves that control muscle movement, which can lead to balance issues and falls. You may also lose the ability to detect coldness and pain. Diabetics, in particular, end up with sores or blisters that go unnoticed due to lack of sensation and blood circulation. These can become infected or the tissue just dies, possibly leading to amputation.
When neuropathy advances, it interferes with your ability to do the things you enjoy.
Treatment and management
Treatment for neuropathy at St. Rose Integrative Medicine includes revolutionary regenerative medicine treatments that harness your own body’s ability to heal. We help identify the root cause of nerve damage and prevent progression. In some cases, treatment may even reverse pain.
Neuropathy is not always a sign of a serious condition, but you should get evaluated to make sure. In many cases, simple interventions such as diet plans, physical therapy, and medications can alleviate neuropathy symptoms. Let the experts at St. Rose Integrative Medical Center help you.