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Millions of people have been diagnosed with neuropathy and know first-hand how pain, numbness, and weakness can severely impact one’s quality of life.
While it is not always possible, knowing the causes of neuropathy and the risk factors associated with it may help to prevent it. For those already diagnosed, it is important to understand the cause of your neuropathy so that you can treat it — instead of just treating the symptoms.
So, what causes neuropathy? How do you get it? Let’s talk about it.
Neuropathy is not generally a condition on its own, but rather something that stems from something else. In other words, if you are diagnosed with neuropathy, there isa very high chance that you have an underlying condition that has caused it.
Two main causes of neuropathy include dietary concerns and health conditions.
Dietary concerns, such as vitamin deficiencies or consuming excessively high levels of certain nutrients are common, treatable causes of neuropathy. Certain health conditions like diabetes and cancer also play a role in developing the condition.
What is the most common cause of neuropathy? Poorly managed diabetes.
Risk factors of neuropathy may increase your odds of experiencing this condition, though it does not mean you will.
If you discover that you have any of the below, it may be a good idea to start addressing your overall health and wellness sooner rather than later. While you may not be able to avoid all of the risk factors, you can address your health as it pertains to most.
● Type 2 diabetes
● Thyroid conditions
● Vitamin deficiencies, such as B-12
● Exposure to toxins and heavy metals in the environment or workplace, including lead and mercury
● Injury or trauma to the area
● Infections, like Epstein–Barrvirus, HIV, Lyme, and more
● Autoimmune diseases like lupus and rheumatoid arthritis
● Kidney and liver disorders
● Alcoholism
There are trillions of nerves running throughout the body — literally. Although not all of these can be impacted by neuropathy, many are. Know your risk factors and the symptoms to look out for.
Neuropathy can impact each person differently, especially since it can stem from various causes and impact different nerves. Common signs of neuropathy include:
● Numbness and tingling, primarily in the hands and feet
● Balance issues, such as frequent falling
● Muscle weakness
● Loss of muscle control and coordination
● Inability to feel the temperature
● Burning sensation
● Pain
● Difficulty urinating
● Sexual dysfunction
● Increased sweating
● Feeling dizzy or faint
Again, the signs of neuropathy can vary from person to person. If something doesn’t feel right and it is not on this list, don’t dismiss it.
If you are experiencing any of the signs of neuropathy mentioned above, then you may have this condition and want to seek treatment. What you don’t want to do, however, is work with a doctor who will simply treat the symptoms you are experiencing. There is no miracle nerve pill for neuropathy.
Seeking the help of a functional neurologist in Stuart, FL - a natural remedies doctor - can help you find neuropathy treatments that will address the pain rather than mask it. For instance, finding ways to improve blood flow so that nerve damage can heal.
If you think you may have neuropathy, seek help. While it won’t heal on its own, addressing how you ended up with it in the first place may give you the relief you are seeking.
