Peripheral Neuropathy: Early Symptoms

Peripheral neuropathy is a condition that damages the nerves in your body, and may result from injuries, chronic conditions such as diabetes, and exposure to poisons. The early symptoms of peripheral neuropathy depend on which nerves are affected, and include problems with muscle control and changes in your perception of touch, which may be worse in the extremities of your body. Consider this information from the Mayo Clinic about the early symptoms of peripheral neuropathy.

Numbness

• Numbness that begins in your fingers and toes and works its way up into your arms and legs is an early symptom of peripheral neuropathy.

Burning Pain

• A sensation of burning pain in your toes is an early symptom of peripheral neuropathy that may worsen and spread as the disease advances.

Sensitivity

• Sensitivity to touch is an early symptom of peripheral neuropathy that may begin as mild sensitivity and become severe in later stages of the disease.

Poor Coordination

• Poor coordination of movements, such as writing, eating and walking, are early symptoms of peripheral neuropathy in your muscles.

Incontinence

• Early symptoms of peripheral neuropathy in the autonomic nerves may include incontinence in your bladder and bowels.

Sores

• Sores or wounds that do not heal, especially on your feet, are early symptoms of peripheral neuropathy that may affect other body parts at later stages of the disease.

Paralysis

• Peripheral neuropathy in the nerves that control your muscles may cause early symptoms such as weakness and loss of muscle control that lead to paralysis.