Could Neuropathy be Causing Pain in the Palm of my Hand?
If you are experiencing pain in your hand, you may find a number of possible explanations during a quick search. Because the hand is so complex, it contains 27 bones and a number of structures that are very vulnerable. This is also true of the palm of your hand, which includes bones, joints, tendons, nerves, muscles, blood vessels, tissue, and skin. While palm pain on its own isn’t always serious, it can be an indicator of more severe problems and may be a sign that you should seek neuropathy treatment. As one potential cause for palm pain, it is important to understand neuropathy and how it may impact your body.
What Is Peripheral Neuropathy?
Outside of the brain and the spinal cord are nerves known as the peripheral nerves. When these are damaged, you may experience symptoms ranging from weakness to numbness or pain, particularly in the hands and feet. The peripheral nervous system’s job is to send information from your spinal cord and brain (the central nervous system) to the rest of your body, as well as sending sensory information back to the central nervous system.
While other body parts can be impacted, the limbs are most susceptible to these issues. The pain associated can be described as stabbing, burning, or tingling. Other indicators include muscle weakness, lack of coordination, sensitivity to touch and extreme temperatures, or pain without stimulus. While many cases present in only one nerve, and therefore one hand or foot, it’s also possible to experience symptoms in both hands at the same time.
Causes of Peripheral Neuropathy
While traumatic injuries can sometimes lead to peripheral neuropathy, they are more commonly brought on by either environmental or genetic factors. Some cases are also idiopathic, or have unknown origins, which can be more difficult to treat.
The most common type of neuropathy is an acquired neuropathy, which is caused by toxins, trauma, infections, or illness. The most common that is caused by illness is diabetic neuropathy, though other inherited diseases can be involved as well. Alcoholism, poor nutrition, certain medications, and chemotherapy can all lead to the development of neuropathy as well. In addition, certain diseases of the kidney and thyroid, or conditions where nerves are attacked by the immune system may also require neuropathy treatment.
When there is no environmental cause, neuropathy can also be hereditary in rarer cases. When this happens, a disease of the peripheral nerves is passed between parents and children. The most common example is Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease type 1, which is characterized by weakness in the legs and arms that occurs after degeneration of the insulation that surrounds nerves. This results in a loss of the nerves’ ability to send electrical impulses that trigger muscle movement.
When to Seek Treatment for Palm Pain
In general, any new pain that worsens or continues should be seen by a medical professional. While palm pain alone is not necessarily worrisome, it can be a symptom of neuropathy or other serious conditions that require attention. Without proper neuropathy treatment, the nerves can continue to degenerate until the hands become too weak to use.
If your palm pain may be caused by neuropathy, you’ll be able to review your symptoms and determine what may be causing the condition. This may include a series of diagnostic tests as well. This information can help develop a neuropathy treatment plan. Current treatments can lead to reduced or eliminated pain, improved circulation and relaxation, less inflammation, and improved sleep and exercise quality.
At Fox Integrated Health, a number of new and innovative treatments are used to treat peripheral neuropathy while avoiding the use of common medications that create more health issues. The customized treatments our patients receive use the RST Sanexas Neo-Gan series, based in electric signaling and the physics of resonance. This allows cells to be optimized correctly, improving communication. Combined with physical therapy, laser treatments, injections, and other techniques to help achieve the optimal outcome. Our specialists will also go over exercises that can be done and food that should be avoided by people who have neuropathy.
Whether you have been diagnosed with neuropathy or not, palm pain may be a sign that it’s time to seek treatment. For comprehensive and personalized care, contact Fox Integrated Health today to begin treating the root cause of your palm pain.