Neuropathy, also known as peripheral neuropathy, is a condition that causes numbness, pain, tingling and weakness, usually in the hands and feet. It may occur episodically or progress gradually over years. According to the Neuropathy Association (NA), 30 percent of cases evolve from diabetes, 30 percent from unknown causes and 40 percent from infections, autoimmune disorders, genetic factors, nutrient imbalances, tumors or toxins. Symptoms of neuropathy vary depending on type of neuropathy and which nerves are affected.
Neuropathy causes damage to fibers that affect physical sensation, which causes nerve pain, tingling and numbness. Sensory damage may reduce a person’s ability to determine the position of his joints and suffer from poor coordination. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center (UMMC), sensation symptoms frequently start within the feet and gradually progress toward the body’s center as neuropathy worsens. Though sensory symptoms are common among diabetes-related neuropathy, it affects other forms as well.
Damage or injury to the structures of the nervous system, primarily the peripheral nerves, can alter the function of these intricate connections, affecting the communications between the brain and the rest of the body in a disorder known as neuropathy. Neuropathy requires a diagnosis but common, well-known symptoms such as pain, tingling sensations and numbness, can indicate its presence. For more information, please feel free to ask Dr. Jimenez or contact us at (915) 850-0900.Â