What is Peripheral Neuropathy?

Peripheral means outside, or on the side and neuropathy is defined as neuro-nerve and pathy-disease. Nerves provide communication between the brain and the muscles, skin, internal organs and blood vessels. Different types of nerves carry different types of messages:

Motor Nerves send signals from the brain and spinal cord to all of the muscles in the body. These messages instruct the muscles to move, allowing us to walk, skip and jump. Damage to these nerves can lead to muscle spasms, weakness and cramping.

Sensory Nerves send messages from the muscles and skin to the spinal cord and brain. The skin has special sensors that help to feel whether something is hot or cold, rough or smooth, and sharp or soft. The skin and muscles then use the sensory nerves to send signals to the brain and spinal cord. These signals are reactions like “Hot!”, “Ow!” and “Feels nice…” Damage to the sensory nerves often results in numbness, tingling, pain, and sensitivity to touch.

Autonomic Nerves control semi-voluntary or involuntary functions, such as blood pressure, digestion, and heart rate. When the autonomic nerves are damaged, a person’s heart may beat faster or slower, they may experience dizziness, or difficulty swallowing.

Any of our nerves can be damaged by swelling and compression that block the flow of oxygen to the nerves. When the nerves are deprived of oxygen it causes them to atrophy, or shrink, which then blocks any signal from coming or going along that nerve line. When communication between the muscles and the brain is disrupted it causes a “back log” of signals which can then be misfired to muscles or organs as a pain signal.

What Causes Peripheral Neuropathy?

There are many things that may cause the swelling that ultimately leads to PN. 40% of those diagnosed have suffered various injuries, auto-immune diseases, chronic alcoholism, or have undergone chemotherapy and radiation. Over 30% also have diabetes or blood sugar issues. Another 30% have idiopathic neuropathy which means that the cause is unknown.

Certain types of nerve dysfunction are known to be inherited, although a healthy diet and lifestyle have shown to prevent or halt the development of PN in those with an inherited tendency.

Two Types of Peripheral Neuropathy

Most people who suffer from peripheral neuropathy have poly-neuropathy which is when multiple nerves or bundles of nerves are affected. Less commonly diagnosed is mono-neuropathy where a single nerve or nerve group is affected or damaged.

Tips & Tricks for Prevention:

1. Avoid consumption of drugs and alcohol.

2. Wear loose clothing and comfortable shoes.

3. Avoid activities or movements that cause your symptoms to increase.

4. Maintain a healthy diet that helps to balance your blood-sugar levels.

5. Sleep with your head elevated a bit more than usual.

6. Get plenty of exercise; an unhealthy body will have a harder time healing.

FAQ about Neuropathy:

Q: I am not a diabetic but I have been diagnosed with peripheral neuropathy. What could be the cause?

A: Peripheral neuropathy is frequently a complication of another condition such as diabetes, infections and autoimmune diseases or as a side effect from certain medications - especially those used to treat cancer. In some cases, even with extensive testing and evaluations, the cause of peripheral neuropathy remains unknown. In such cases the symptoms are treatable and relief can still be found.

Q: My mother suffers from peripheral neuropathy and I have heard that this can be an inherited disease. What are some early warning signs?

A: Peripheral neuropathy can be passed down genetically. If you are pre-disposed to peripheral neuropathy you should stay away from alcohol and certain prescription drugs as both of these have been shown to promote the onset of nervous disorders. Some early symptoms include, tingling, numbness, pain, or burning in your limbs, hands, or feet. The sooner you begin treatment the better chance you have of halting the progress of this disease.

Q: At work, I stand for long periods of time and my feet often tingle or go numb. Are there any tricks to prevent the pain that follows the “pins and needles”?

A: The first trick is to wear comfortable shoes that fit you properly. If possible, try to walk around more or at least flex your feet and leg muscles to help increase circulation. Also putting one foot up about six inches (find a small wooden block or shelf) and switching feet every few minutes helps to prevent the “pins and needles” sensation.

Q: After finishing chemotherapy and radiation I have developed peripheral neuropathy. Is this damage to my nerves permanent?

A: Severe nerve damage can be permanent. However, our nerves have great healing and regenerative abilities. Most people find relief from the pain and numbness, and within a few months have completely recovered. In severe cases the damage is hard to repair (such as trauma caused by platinum radiation) though often such patients can limit the pain and other symptoms by following a treatment program.

Q: I have such severe numbness in my limbs that I don’t notice when I get hurt. Do you have any safety tips?

A: Being aware of what you are doing is very important; most injuries can be prevented simply by paying attention. Be sure to inspect your hands and feet daily for any injuries and treat them quickly to prevent infections.
 

At Friendship Heights Rehab treatment is individualized and is designed to maximize functional outcomes. Methods utilized include manual therapy, cold laser, sensory development and adaptive dressing techniques. Our therapists have helped many patients achieve excellent results in recovering from peripheral neuropathy through physical therapy programs designed specifically to meet their own needs which help them return to their normal, pain free state.

If you or someone you love could benefit from our program, please don’t hesitate to contact us.

Therese Rodda, P.T.
Friendship Heights Rehabilitation Center
5530 Wisconsin Avenue
Chevy Chase, MD 20815
Ph: 301-656-6977  F: 301-656-6977

10801 Lockwood Drive, Suite 280
Silver Spring, MD 20901
Ph: 301-576-6474

Links:
http://fhrehab.com/index.html - Friendship Heights Rehabilitation Center - Maryland Physical Therapy
http://fhrehab.com/ptServices.html - Physical Therapy Programs
http://media.fhrehab.com/tips_index.php - Friendship Heights Health Tips
 

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