What is Neuropathy?
Pain comes in many shapes and sizes. We all have stories where we managed to burn our fingers on something hot. These sensations (and in fact the pain you feel when stepping on your son’s lego pieces) are all transmitted along a super information highway of nerves called the peripheral nervous system. The primary function of this system is to transmit data like pain from your extremities to your brain. Unfortunately, 25 to 30% of Americans suffer from a condition called Peripheral Neuropathy in which the information that should be transmitted to the brain is interrupted by damaged or malfunctioning nerves.
Interruption of these signals is often life-changing for patients and can affect a wide range of areas such as your feet, hands, and even face.
Signs and symptoms can include:
· Gradual onset of numbness, prickling or tingling in your feet or hands, which can spread upward into your legs and arms
· Sharp, jabbing, throbbing or burning pain
· Extreme sensitivity to touch
· Pain during activities that shouldn't cause pain, such as pain in your feet when putting weight on them or when they're under a blanket
· Lack of coordination and falling
· Muscle weakness
· Feeling as if you're wearing gloves or socks when you're not
· Paralysis if motor nerves are affected
If you are experiencing tingling, weakness, or pain in your hands, feet or face be sure to consult a doctor immediately. Early diagnosis and treatment offer the best results in both managing symptoms and preventing additional damage to the nerves.
There are a variety of problems that can cause nerves to work inappropriately. Some examples include trauma, infection, diabetes, tumors, exposure to poisons, medications, vitamin deficiencies (B vitamins, E vitamins, and even niacin are all important to nerve health), and alcoholism.
While making better life choices such as diet, avoiding overindulging in alcohol and limiting factors for diabetes can all help manage risk and in some cases prevent symptoms, what do you do if you’re already suffering from Peripheral Neuropathy?
Speak to your doctor.
Learn what options are available to help you normalize your nerve function and promote regeneration. Nerves do regenerate, but very slowly. Some alternative therapies have proven helpful for patients trying to manage symptoms. Sadly, most treatments tend to focus on pain and don’t address the damaged nerve. Speaking with your doctor about treatment options is vital to managing Neuropathy. Knowing what treatments are being used to manage which symptoms can save you time and energy later.
In recent years, studies have shown laser therapy is a viable option of managing multiple symptoms associated with Neuropathy. Laser therapy is an alternative form of physical therapy that doesn’t just focus on one symptom. By utilizing light energy on a cellular level, laser therapy allows the body to regenerate damaged nerves, as well as relax tensed muscles, and can even help to manage pain.
For more information on the benefits of laser therapy check out our other posts here:
