Peripheral neuropathy is a condition that occurs when the nerves located outside of the brain and spinal cord (peripheral nerves) are damaged. This condition often causes weakness, numbness, and pain, and can result from traumatic injuries, infections, metabolic problems, inherited causes, and exposure to toxins. Some of the most common causes of peripheral neuropathy include:
-
Diabetes: This is the leading cause of peripheral neuropathy in the US, with about 60 to 70 percent of people with diabetes having mild to severe forms of nerve problems that can cause numbness, tingling, or burning feet, one-sided bands or pain, and numbness and weakness on the trunk or pelvis.
-
Autoimmune diseases: These include Sjogrens syndrome, lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, Guillain-Barre syndrome, chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy, and vasculitis.
-
Kidney, liver, or thyroid disorders: These can lead to high amounts of toxic substances in the blood that can damage nerve tissue.
-
Exposure to toxins: Nutritional or vitamin imbalances, alcoholism, and exposure to toxins can damage nerves and cause neuropathy.
-
Physical injury to the nerves: This can be caused by an injury or during surgery.
-
Viral infections: Such as shingles.
The symptoms of peripheral neuropathy depend on which nerves are affected and can range from pain, tingling, or loss of sensation in the feet to loss of balance or weakness. If the underlying cause of peripheral neuropathy is not treated, you may be at risk of developing potentially serious complications, such as a foot ulcer that becomes infected. Its important to see a healthcare provider if you experience the early symptoms of peripheral neuropathy.
