What is peripheral neuropathy?
Neuropathy is occurring secondary to damage to nerves. This is usually a generalized process affecting all nerves of upper and lower extremities. Typically a person experiences a burning sensation along with numbness in the tips of their toes or fingers that later progress to involve more the extremity if is not diagnosed and treated.
In a generalized peripheral neuropathy this can be hereditary in origin, occur after an infection, toxin exposure, metabolic derangement such as a vitamin or mineral deficiency or secondary effects of poorly controlled diabetes.
Potential symptoms that you may experience with this condition:
- Burning sensation in feet and/or hands
- Numbness and tingling in the extremities
- Weakness in the upper and/lower extremities
- Difficulty with walking
- Itching in extremities
- Coordination difficulties
- Blisters and calluses
Treatment and diagnostic options for this condition:
- Identify any reversible causes with a metabolic workup
- Nerve conduction and electromyography to assist in identifying the characteristics of neuropathy which can impact treatment
- Medications: Neurontin, Lyrica, Amitriptyline, Nortriptyline
- Regular visitation with podiatrist
