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Neuropathy Pain Symptoms

Neuropathy is a disorder that affects the nerves of the peripheral nervous system. Often referred to as peripheral neuropathy, this condition largely affects the hands and feet, but it may also diffuse out into the nerves of your arms, legs and other areas of the body. Trauma to the nerves is one of the more common causes of neuropathy; however, it is possible to develop this condition due to a complication of diabetes, autoimmune disorders, kidney disease or alcoholism. For some, it's even an inherited trait.

  1. Pain

    • Most people suffering from neuropathy will experience some level of pain. And depending on the severity of nerve damage, this pain is felt as a burning discomfort to a sharp, shooting ache. This particular symptom may start out within the toes or fingers and then spread up into the feet or hands. As the condition persists, this pain can broaden out into the legs and arms.

    Numbness

    • Sometimes accompanying this pain is the symptom of numbness. At first, you may begin to notice a subtle lack of feeling within the toes or fingers that progressively worsens into a more pronounced numbness. And much like the symptom of pain, this absence of sensation can diffuse out into other areas of the body, gradually moving into the feet, ankles and then legs or the hands, wrists and then arms. In some cases, this numbness is absent of pain. Instead, it is accompanied by a prickling or tingling sensation within the affected areas.

    Sensitivity

    • For some people, neuropathy actually causes the nerves of the affected areas of the body (most often the hands or feet) to become exceedingly sensitive to touch. Even a slight brush of the skin can cause discomfort, soreness or pain. Gloves, socks or any clothing that's restrictive could become fairly uncomfortable to wear.

    Mobility

    • In some cases of neuropathy, the nerves are damaged to the point where they begin to affect mobility, causing you to suffer a loss of coordination, an inability to carry objects or even the incapability of moving an appendage. The intensity of this symptom depends greatly on the motor nerves affected by neuropathy as well as the severity of this damage.

    Incontinence

    • It is also possible for neuropathy to cause the symptom of incontinence. When the nerve damage begins to affect those nerves associated with the autonomic function of the bladder or bowel, you can have trouble controlling the evacuation of urine or stool.

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