peripheral Neuropathy

Peripheral Neuropathy is a term which encompasses disorders which result from damage to the nerves outside of the brain and spinal cord or peripheral nerves. This damage most often occurs in the hands and feet. The most common symptoms of this are burning, numbness, tingling, loss of sensation, weakness, or pain in the legs, feet, arms and hands. Although some cases can be inherited known as Hereditary Neuropathy, most cases are the result of damage to the small vessels of the body leading to damage to the nerves, known as Acquired Neuropathy. It is important to understand the possible cause of nerve damage, but in somes cases neuropathy can be considered idiopathic and have no discernible link between a causing factor. 

When nerves are damaged, signals that they interpret can become skewed, such as intense pain without any sort of injury, or periodic numbness, and even a complete loss of sensation to some areas. This is especially concerning when it comes to the feet which can be injured without the protective sensation of pain.

Various diseases can make you more susceptible to developing neuropathy, such as vascular disease, endocrine disorders, cancer, smoking, sciatica, low back pain, and repetitive stress. Management of these conditions can help to limit further damage.