Peripheral Neuropathy Diseases

Peripheral neuropathy disease is a condition in which the peripheral nerve system has been damaged. The damage can be caused by many factors including illness, injury or vitamin deficiency. There is no cure for peripheral neuropathy disease, but treatments are available to control symptoms.

Causes

• Peripheral neuropathy disease can be caused by diseases such as diabetes, lupus, shingles, rheumatoid arthritis, kidney and liver disease, hypothyroidism and HIV/AIDS. Other causes include excessive alcohol consumption, vitamin B deficiency, trauma or injury to nerves, a tumor pressing on a nerve and exposure to certain toxins such as lead, arsenic and mercury.

Symptoms

• Peripheral neuropathy disease symptoms will depend upon which peripheral nerves are affected and may include gradual tingling or numbness in your toes, feet and hands gradually progressing to your legs and arms. Other symptoms may include burning pain, balance problems, muscle weakness, sensitivity to touch and a sharp stabbing pain.

Diagnosis

• There is no one test to confirm peripheral neuropathy so your doctor will perform a physical and neurological exam testing your reflexes, muscle tone, posture, strength and how sensitive you are to certain sensations. Blood tests may be requested to test for a vitamin B deficiency and thyroid function. An electromyography test measures electrical discharges from your muscles and a nerve conduction study measures electrical signals in your nerves and how quickly the nerves carry them.

Medications

• When an underlying cause such as illness is causing the peripheral neuropathy, treating the illness may improve nerve pain. When an unknown cause occurs, treating symptoms is the main goal. Over the counter pain relievers such as Advil or Motrin can treat mild neuropathy. If the condition worsens your doctor may prescribe opiates for the pain, but these prescriptions will be for short-term use only because of the risk of dependence. Medications such as Lyrica and Neurontin relieve nerve pain. A lidocaine patch applied to the affected area may help relieve pain. Anti-depressants such as amitriptyline may be prescribed as they interfere with pain signals from the brain. Cymbalta may be prescribed for peripheral neuropathy caused by diabetes. Vitamin B supplements will help with neuropathy caused by a deficiency in this vitamin.

Home Remedies

• Massage can relieve pain and improve circulation in hands and feet. Avoid wearing too tight shoes or socks as that can worsen pain and tingling. Wear cotton socks and shoes with insole padding. Discuss an exercise routine with your doctor that can reduce pain of neuropathy and improve circulation. Eat healthy meals that are low-fat and contain fruits, vegetable, whole grains and dairy products. Avoid sitting cross-legged or standing for long periods of time as this can worsen nerve problems.