Numbness in hands and feet, throbbing pain, signs of neuropathy!

Neuropathy, numbness in hands and feet, stabbing pain throughout the body, what causes it? Get to know about neuropathy, a disease that seems harmless but reduces the quality of life. It may make life not as good as before, especially in the elderly. For those who have not had it yet, come see how to prevent it in this article.

Topics on neuropathy

What causes neuropathy?
Symptoms of neuropathy
Risk factors
How dangerous is neuropathy?
Diagnosis
Treatment methods
Protection
Frequently asked questions

What causes neuropathy?

Peripheral Neuropathy is a condition in which peripheral nerves, most commonly the hands, feet, or face, become inflamed due to various causes, and can cause pain or numbness as a side effect.

Common causes of neuropathy include:

Muscle and tendon inflammation

Diabetes with poor blood sugar control
Some types of neuropathy that occur spontaneously or after certain infections, such as shingles (postherpetic neuralgia)
Diseases that cause nerve compression, such as cervical spine, waist, back nerve compression, or tendonitis compressing a nerve in the wrist area.
Muscle and tendon inflammation

People with vitamin B1 deficiency

It may occur after traumatic injury to the nervous system or after surgery.
It may also occur in association with other chronic diseases affecting the nervous system, such as stroke or cancer.
Vitamin B deficiency 1 (Vitamin B1), Vitamin B6 (Vitamin B) and Vitamin B12 (Vitamin B12), which are important for nerves, etc.

Symptoms of neuropathy

Patients often experience pain and numbness. Pain can take many forms, such as:

A stabbing pain in the body like an electric shock.
Burning pain
Cold pain like being hit by ice, tingling sensation
A sharp, stabbing pain that feels like a needle prick.
Itching or abnormal tactile sensations

These abnormal sensations may occur spontaneously or after stimulation. They range in intensity and frequency. Some patients may have mild, persistent pain, or experience severe, persistent pain.

“Neuropathic pain
It is a chronic pain that has an impact
It may affect the quality of life of patients .
Symptoms include insomnia and loss of concentration.
Depressed, anxious, loss of appetite”

Risk factors for neuropathy

Risk factors

Risk factors that cause symptoms of neuropathy include patients with underlying diseases or the above conditions that are the cause ( common causes of neuropathy ) , old age, which makes it easier for nerves to be injured and recover more slowly than younger patients.

How dangerous is neuropathy?

Neuropathy has a wide range of pain and symptoms, and is a chronic disease that can be detrimental to quality of life. In patients with severe and persistent pain, it can cause insomnia, loss of concentration, depression, anxiety, and loss of appetite.

Diagnosis

Initially, the doctor will make a diagnosis from the history, symptoms, underlying diseases and related causes. He will also perform a physical examination, especially examining the nervous system, the patient’s sensations, and examining the system from the likely related causes. Then, he will be able to diagnose the symptoms of neuropathy.

Further laboratory or imaging tests (eg, computed tomography, MRI) may be ordered in patients with complex or unclear etiologies.

Treatment methods

Treatment of neuropathy can be divided into two main groups: treatment to relieve symptoms and treatment according to the cause of neuropathy in each patient.

Medicines must be prescribed by a doctor only.

Treatment to relieve symptoms

Treatment for symptomatic relief: Medicines can only be prescribed by a doctor and are adjusted according to the symptoms in each patient.

Pain relievers , NSAIDs or Opioids
Pain relievers for neuropathic pain, TCAs and Calcium channel blockers
Topical medications such as patches or topical anesthetics for pain relief
Rehabilitation medicine treatments such as nerve stimulators, transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation, and physical therapy

Treatment according to cause

Treatment according to the cause of neuropathy in each patient

Physical therapy treatment for diseases resulting from nerve compression

In some cases, if the cause is treated, the symptoms of neuropathy can be significantly improved. Such as diseases that cause nerve compression, treated with surgery or physical therapy, some types of neuropathy that occur on their own or after certain infections, such as shingles (Postherpetic Neuralgia), etc.

Control sugar consumption

Some conditions may help to prevent the symptoms of neuropathy from getting worse because they are chronic diseases that have been around for a long time. The peripheral nerves have been damaged for a long time, such as poorly controlled diabetes. Controlling blood sugar may not help to improve the symptoms of neuropathy significantly but it helps to prevent the symptoms of neuropathy from getting worse. Or cerebrovascular disease, etc.

Protection

Eat healthy food that is rich in vitamins and nutrients.
Exercise regularly to strengthen your muscles, nervous system, and immune system.
Avoid excessive repetitive behaviors. This can lead to nerve compression syndrome, such as lifting heavy objects for a long time, standing or walking for a long time, or using one wrist too much. If necessary, it is recommended to change your posture frequently and stretch your body as well.
In diabetic patients, it is recommended to control blood sugar levels through diet control and medication to maintain a good blood sugar level consistently before symptoms of neuropathy appear because it can prevent neuropathy from occurring.
In patients with spontaneous neuropathy or after certain infections, such as shingles, it is recommended to see a doctor as soon as possible from the onset of symptoms, as specific medications will be more effective in patients who start medication early.

Frequently asked questions

How many months of treatment do patients usually need?

A: It depends on the cause of each patient, but in general, neuropathy is a disease that requires a relatively long treatment period, usually starting at least 2 weeks to a year.

Can it heal on its own?

A: If the cause and symptoms are not severe, i.e. the pain is not severe, not constant, and occurs only occasionally, some patients can recover on their own.

I have neuropathy. Can I get a massage?

A: Massage can be used to increase blood circulation and stimulate nerves . However, some patients should consult their doctor first because massage can cause harm or other side effects, such as patients with underlying diseases, stroke, diabetes, wounds or rashes in the area to be massaged, spinal nerve compression, and cancer.

In the elderly, the risk of neuropathy increases.

If it happens to the elderly, will there be an increased risk?

A: There is an increased risk because nerve regeneration in the elderly is slower than in the young and there is also age-related nerve degeneration.

What do medications for neuropathy help with?

A: It mainly helps reduce pain and abnormal sensations caused by abnormal nerve function.

What can you eat to nourish and reduce numbness in your hands and feet?

A: Eat healthy food. It contains complete vitamins and nutrients and can be supplemented with vitamin B complex to help maintain the functioning of the nervous system.

Is there any way to help reduce the pain?

A: Patients can soak in warm water to stimulate blood circulation, change their postures frequently and stretch their bodies, do physical therapy with the correct postures for the disease can help improve symptoms , and take the right painkillers to help reduce pain effectively. It is recommended to consult a doctor before taking any medication.

summarize

Peripheral neuropathy is a condition that affects the peripheral nerves, which can cause numbness in the hands and feet, tingling, and other symptoms that interfere with daily life. It can be caused by a number of factors, including diabetes, infection, or side effects of certain medications.

It is important to get diagnosed and treated early to prevent further damage. Treatment is available to relieve symptoms and to treat the underlying cause. Taking good care of yourself and making lifestyle changes can help protect yourself from developing neuropathy.

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