Neuropathy, simply defined, is damage to nerves that often results from either disease or trauma. It is a relatively common condition that is not isolated to any particular part of the body. Although many people believe it is a condition associated with aging, it can affect anyone, regardless of age or sex.
While neuropathy can occur in your central nervous system, most frequently, neuropathy affects the peripheral nervous system.
The nervous systems of vertebrates are divided into "central" and "peripheral." Central nerves are located within the spinal cord and brain. Their function is to receive and process sensory information and then send motor commands to our body's organs and muscles. Peripheral nerves lie outside of the brain and spinal cord. These nerves extend from the brain and spinal cord and run through our arms, hands, fingers, legs, feet and toes.
When peripheral nerves do not function as they should, people often experience numbness, pain, tingling, muscle atrophy and uncontrolled muscle movements.. According to the Institute for Healthcare Policy and Innovation, more than 20 million Americans may be affected with peripheral neuropathy.
Although there are several risk factors for peripheral neuropathy, in the United States, the most common cause is diabetes. Data from the National Institutes of Health reveals that adults over the age of 40 who do not have diabetes have an 11.8% prevalence of peripheral neuropathy while those who do have diabetes have a prevalence of 28.4%.
Other risk factors include traumatic injuries, hereditary disorders, inflammatory infections, metabolic problems, protein abnormalities, inherited causes, and exposure to toxins. Because peripheral neuropathy can affect many different parts of the body, it is sometimes hard to determine the specific cause of symptoms. Often, medical professionals will start by running blood tests, conducting physical exams, reviewing medical history, and examining family neurological diseases. Further testing may include nerve and skin biopsies, nerve function tests, lumbar puncture, and CT/MRI imaging.
One of the best steps to minimize your exposure to peripheral neuropathy is keeping your blood sugar levels under control. This requires constant monitoring by anyone who may have neuropathy concerns. For those diagnosed with diabetes, an A1C test should be taken at least twice a year, and a target of 6.5% (or less) should be a goal.
As with many diseases, good nutrition, exercise, and avoiding foods and medications that may promote inflammation can help thwart the onset of peripheral neuropathy. As well, maintaining good foot care plays a very important part in minimizing risks of neuropathy. Properly trimming toenails, wearing dry and clean socks, wiggling your toes, moving your ankles up and down multiple times a day, and wearing shoes that are comfortable and fit well may assist in mitigating many foot problem complications.
Great information about peripheral neuropathy can be found at the Foundation for Peripheral Neuropathy, the American Diabetes Association, and the Brain Resources and Information Network division of the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke.
If you have experienced loss of sensitivity in your hands and/or feet, or have noticed balance concerns, a visit to your doctor may be a good idea. If you experience difficulty getting a timely appointment with a local neurologist, the UCHealth Neurosciences Center at the Anschutz Medical Campus may be an option.