The Neuropathy Association states that approximately twenty million people in the United States are suffering from some type of neuropathy, making neuropathy a common medical condition that many people are dealing with on a daily basis. So what is neuropathy?
Neuropathy that affects the extremities of the body is called peripheral neuropathy, which generally is noticeable by a lack of feeling, a burning or prickling sensation in the toes and fingers. It may then progress to the feet and hands with the pain becoming more severe. The pain usually develops rather suddenly with the two major causes being diabetes and alcoholism. Other causes include trauma or injury to the nerves, the result of toxic chemotherapy, HIV, or nerve damage from Shingles. Neuropathy can be frightening because the average individual will not understand what is happening and what is causing the pain.
Some individuals are so involved that they are unable to wear shoes, and cannot tolerate the bed sheet covering their feet at night. For others the pain is mild. Lack of sleep, atypical sweating, sensitivity to pain and muscle weakness are all symptoms of peripheral neuropathy. If you suspect that you may have neuropathy, it is important to address the underlying cause.
Nerve damage can be serious. For that reason alone it is so important to address the issue and seek treatment immediately. While meeting with your physician, make sure he is aware of all medical conditions that you may have and a give him a list of the medications that you are taking. Make him aware of the date that you first noticed the symptoms and list the specific symptoms that you are experiencing.
There are medications available to reverse and improve the symptoms. Also, there are a number of natural holistic remedies available to discuss with your doctor.
For more information about neuropathy please visit http://www.whatisneuropathy.org
