7 Causes of Neuropathy
Neuropathy can be a very painful condition that leaves your extremities tingling, numb, painful, and even difficult to control. It’s even possible for neuropathy to affect blood pressure, digestion, your heart, and your bladder.
If you’re looking for Broomfield neuropathy treatment, it’s important that you focus on both treating this condition and treating whatever underlying cause is behind your neuropathy. Here are some of the things that can cause neuropathy.
1. Diabetes Can Cause Neuropathy
One of the most common causes of neuropathy is diabetes. In fact, don’t know they have diabetes until they see their doctor about the weird pain or tingling in their legs and feet. Diabetic neuropathy occurs in over half of those who are diagnosed with diabetes.
The only way to stop this form of neuropathy is to get your blood sugar levels under control. This often means changing your diet and exercise habits. It may also include taking medication, especially if your pancreas is no longer functioning normally.
2. Various Autoimmune Diseases Can Contribute to Neuropathy
A number of different autoimmune diseases can also cause neuropathy. These include lupus, vasculitis, rheumatoid arthritis, Sjogren’s syndrome, Guillain-Barre syndrome, and more.
Because many of these diseases have a wide range of symptoms, not everyone will experience neuropathy to the same degree. Some may not experience it at all, while others with the same condition may have painful neuropathy.
3. Certain Medications Cause Neuropathy Side Effects
It’s possible you may develop neuropathy as a side-effect of a medication you’re taking. This is especially true if you’re taking chemotherapy for cancer.
The good news is that this form of neuropathy often fades once you’ve stopped taking the medication. It can take several months or more, though, during which time you may want to seek treatment for the pain.
4. Trauma to the Nerves
If your nerves are damaged in an accident, you may develop neuropathy. Any type of injury, including auto accidents, slip and falls, and sports-related injuries, can damage or even sever the nerves.
Even if you’re recovering from an injury that didn’t directly affect the nerves, you may put pressure on them that causes this condition. For example, having a cast on your leg or walking with crutches can put a large amount of pressure on the affected nerves.
5. Repeated Use Can Lead to Localized Neuropathy
Making repeated motions or overusing a part of your body, often the arms and wrists, can also lead to localized neuropathy. One of the most well-known types of neuropathy is carpal tunnel syndrome, which is caused by pressure on the median nerve.
Similar to diabetic neuropathy, you will have to make some changes in how you work in order to control this type of small fiber neuropathy. Using more ergonomic equipment and making sure you take breaks regularly can help.
6. Alcoholism and Neuropathy
Alcohol can cause a wide number of different illnesses and conditions, one of them being neuropathy. The body often becomes deficient in a number of vitamins and minerals, plus it’s easy to become dehydrated when drinking.
The overall damage can be extensive. If you stop drinking early enough, it’s possible your neuropathy will fade. However, those who drink heavily for years may always experience some lingering symptoms.
7. Infections and Diseases
There are a number of infections and diseases that can also jumpstart neuropathy. For neuropathy caused by diseases, the symptoms usually fade once the infection is cleared up. These infections include hepatitis B/C, shingles, Lyme disease, HIV, leprosy, and Epstein-Barr virus.
For diseases, however, that’s not always the case. With some, such as hypothyroidism, getting the condition under control normally helps with the symptoms of neuropathy. With others, such as liver and kidney disease, it’s often not as simple as taking medication to correct the issue.
You Don’t Have to Live with Neuropathy Pain
The pain, tingling, and weakness that comes with neuropathy can greatly impact your life. You may not want to enjoy your favorite hobbies or activities you once loved. But you don’t need to live your life like that. The experts at Fox Integrated Healthcare can help you deal with neuropathy, so you aren’t constrained by it. Contact us today to schedule an appointment.