Neuropathy, or peripheral neuropathy, is a condition caused by damage to the peripheral nerves, which are responsible for transmitting information between the central nervous system and the rest of the body.
This damage can be due to a wide range of causes, including physical trauma, excessive alcohol consumption, chemotherapy, certain cancer drugs, diabetes, autoimmune disorders, and others. While neuropathy can lead to significant pain and decreased sensation, it is rarely the cause of physical disability.
In fact, the majority of people with neuropathy will go on to lead normal lives and may even recover from the condition with proper medication, nutrition, and exercise. However, some individuals may experience more severe and disabling symptoms due to neuropathy, such as impaired movement and coordination, and the need for assistive devices such as canes and walkers.
If a person has severe and/or disabling symptoms due to neuropathy, and these symptoms have a substantial impact on their daily life, then there may be a possibility of physical disability. In such cases, it is important to seek medical advice for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan.
Can neuropathy make you unable to walk?
Yes, neuropathy can make it difficult or even impossible to walk. Neuropathy is a nerve disorder that occurs when the peripheral nervous system, the system responsible for carrying messages between the body and the brain, is damaged.
When nerves are damaged, they can cause severe pain and can also lead to impaired mobility, which can range from difficulty walking to total paralysis. In some cases, people with neuropathy can become unable to walk due to muscle weakness, as well as decrease or loss of sensation in their legs.
Depending on the severity of the nerve damage, the associated symptoms could even progress to the point where walking independently is no longer possible. Fortunately, there are treatments available to help manage neuropathy symptoms, including physical therapy, medications, and lifestyle changes.
Why is it hard to walk with neuropathy?
Neuropathy is a condition that affects the nerves, causing pain, numbness, tingling, and other symptoms. Walking can be especially challenging for people with neuropathy, as it can be difficult to keep track of where their feet are in relation to the ground.
This can lead to issues like tripping, losing balance, fatigue, and pain. Neuropathy can also make it much more difficult for someone to feel when their feet are coming into contact with something on the ground and to judge the surface of the ground, which can further lead to issues with trips and falls, putting an individual at greater risk for injury.
Perhaps most challenging, neuropathy can interfere with an individual’s ability to have proper control over the muscles in their legs, making it much harder to move with the level of coordination and control required to effectively walk.
What are the symptoms of severe neuropathy?
Severe neuropathy can cause a wide range of symptoms, depending on the type of nerve damage. Common symptoms include numbness or reduced sensation in the affected area, burning, tingling, or sometimes even sharp or stabbing pain.
Muscle weakness and problems with coordination, balance, and muscle control are also common. In some cases, people with severe neuropathy may experience difficulty speaking, difficulty swallowing, and difficulty breathing.
People with diabetes or conduction disorders can experience severe foot pain and difficulty walking. Other symptoms can include autonomic symptoms such as lightheadedness, dizziness, constipation, and urinary problems.
How can I improve my neuropathy walking?
If you are suffering from neuropathy and walking has become increasingly difficult, there are a few ways you can improve your gait. First, you may want to invest in a pair of supportive shoes that provide the proper cushioning and stability.
It is important to be mindful of how you distribute your weight while walking and to always wear comfortable shoes. Secondly, you may want to look into physical therapy exercises that can help improve your gait.
These exercises can include targeted stretching and strengthening of the muscles in your feet, legs, and hips, which can help you walk with less pain and discomfort. Additionally, you can talk to your doctor about medications that may be applicable to your condition, such as lidocaine or gabapentin.
Last, you can modify your daily activities to help maintain your mobility. Activities such as swimming or water aerobics can be easier and more comfortable than walking, while also providing some of the same benefits.
Ultimately, by combining the right combination of supportive shoes, physical therapy, medications, and daily modifications, you can help improve your neuropathy walking and maintain your mobility.
What is the number one medicine for neuropathy?
The number one medicine for neuropathy depends on the type of neuropathy being treated, its severity, and the patient’s medical history. For various types of neuropathy, medications such as anticonvulsants, antidepressants, and topical creams may be recommended to help manage symptoms.
Pain-reducing medications are also sometimes prescribed to help ease neuropathic pain, such as tricyclic antidepressants, anticonvulsants, and anti-seizure medications. Sympathetic nerve blocks, which are injections of local anesthetic, can also be used to reduce the burning sensations and intense pain associated with neuropathy.
Other treatments may include physical therapy, nerve stimulation, and nerve surgery. In addition, certain natural supplements with neuroprotective properties, such as vitamin B12, vitamin D, omega-3 fatty acids, and ginseng, may be recommended to reduce neuropathic symptoms.
It is important to speak with a doctor or healthcare provider about the best treatment for neuropathy, as different patients may respond differently to treatments.
What makes neuropathy worse?
Neuropathy can be caused by a variety of factors, such as diabetes, chemotherapy treatments, and injury or infection, and the condition is characterized by damage to the peripheral nerves. Neuropathy can be worsened by poor assessment of the underlying cause and not properly treating the cause, thus leading to further nerve damage.
In addition, certain factors can make neuropathy worse, such as excessive standing or sitting, repetitive activities, pressure from tight- fitting clothing, high or low temperatures, and alcohol consumption.
It is important to understand the causes of the nerve damage in order to create a treatment plan that will potentially improve the symptoms and prevent further damage. This involves managing the underlying cause, engaging in regular exercise, eating a healthy diet, and avoiding activities that may be harmful.
Additionally, it has been found that controlling blood sugar levels in diabetics can also assist in halting the progression of the condition.
Can neuropathy cause weakness in legs?
Yes, neuropathy can cause weakness in legs. Neuropathy is a term used to describe damage to the peripheral nervous system, which carries signals from the brain and spinal cord to the rest of the body.
When the peripheral nerves are damaged, it can cause loss of sensation or numbness in the arms, hands, legs and feet. It can also cause burning, stinging, or tingling sensations known as paresthesia.
Additionally, neuropathy can cause muscle weakness, which may make it difficult to move the legs or other parts of the body. This can lead to a loss of balance, difficulty standing or walking, and falls.
Because neuropathy can occur in many different parts of the body, the effects can vary depending on where the nerve damage has occurred. Treatments for neuropathy can include medications, physical therapy, and lifestyle changes.
How do you strengthen your legs for neuropathy?
Strengthening the legs muscles is often an important part of managing nerve pain caused by neuropathy. A combination of range of motion and resistance training can help increase circulation and muscle strength.
Some exercises that can help strengthen the legs for neuropathy include:
1. Bridging: Start with your back flat on the ground and your knees bent. Push up on your feet, lift the hips off the ground and hold for a few seconds. Slowly lower the hips back to the ground and repeat.
2. Wall Sits: Stand with your back against a wall, slowly lower yourself into a sitting position so your thighs are parallel to the floor. Hold the position for as long as you can while maintaining good alignment of your spine.
3. Heel Raises: Stand with feet together, slowly rise up on your toes, pause and then lower back down.
4. Step-Ups: Find a low box, step or bench that is at least 4 inches high. Step up onto the object with one foot, keeping the entire foot on the object throughout the movement. Step back down and repeat with the other foot.
5. Leg Raises: Lie on your back and lift your legs up off the ground. Hold for a few seconds at the top and lower back down.
It is important to talk to your doctor before starting any type of exercise program, especially if you are managing a chronic condition like neuropathy. After starting an exercise program, pay close attention and listen to your body.
The goal is to do exercises that help strengthen and condition your legs while also minimizing nerve pain.
How long is life expectancy with peripheral neuropathy?
Life expectancy with peripheral neuropathy can vary greatly depending on the underlying cause of the neuropathy, the severity of symptoms, and the age of the individual when they are diagnosed. Generally speaking, the life expectancy of someone with neuropathy is the same as someone without neuropathy, provided there are no other serious medical complications.
However, if neuropathy is caused by diabetes or from an injury or illness, life expectancy may be shortened. The neuropathy can also cause other medical issues which can limit life expectancy. The severity of symptoms and rate of progression can also have an effect on life expectancy.
If the symptoms are mild and there is not a rapid progression, life expectancy may not be significantly impacted. On the other hand, if symptoms are severe and progress quickly, life expectancy may be drastically shortened.
Therefore, it is difficult to determine an exact life expectancy for someone with peripheral neuropathy as it is dependent on individual factors.
Can neuropathy become debilitating?
Yes, neuropathy can become debilitating depending on the type and severity of the condition. Neuropathy is a group of disorders caused by nerve damage. It can lead to a range of physical and psychological symptoms, such as numbness, tingling, and/or burning sensations, pain, balance problems, clumsiness, impaired coordination, depression, and anxiety.
Depending on the cause and location of the nerve damage, neuropathy can severely limit a person’s ability to function normally. Chronic pain, discomfort, and decreased mobility can make everyday tasks such as walking, dressing, and even working difficult.
If left untreated, the symptoms of neuropathy can lead to issues with social and occupational functioning and may even be disabling. As such, it’s important to get a proper diagnosis and treatment plan so the condition does not become debilitating.
How debilitating can peripheral neuropathy get?
Peripheral neuropathy can be debilitating and cause many symptoms, including tingling, numbness, and pain in the hands or feet. It can also affect other parts of the body, such as the arms, legs, or torso.
The intensity of the symptoms will vary depending on the severity of one’s individual case and can range from mild tingling and burning sensations to severe pain and imbalance. In severe cases, peripheral neuropathy can lead to permanent nerve damage, weakness, and loss of muscle functioning, as well as loss of sensation, and it can also increase the risk of fall-related injuries.
In cases of diabetes-related peripheral neuropathy, there is a risk of skin ulcers and other complications due to changes in sensation that can affect how wounds are treated. In terms of impact, peripheral neuropathy can significantly reduce a person’s quality of life and ability to function independently, making everyday activities a challenge.
Why would neuropathy suddenly get worse?
Neuropathy, or nerve damage, can suddenly become worse for a variety of reasons, including physical trauma, exposure to toxins and medications, infections, an autoimmune disorder, and diabetes. Physical trauma or injuries, such as car accidents, fractures, or sports injuries, can cause nerve damage and worsen an existing neuropathy condition.
Exposure to toxins, such as heavy metals, pesticides, or chemotherapy, can also cause nerve damage. Additionally, some medications, such as chemotherapy and anticonvulsants, can also cause nerve damage and worsen an existing neuropathy condition.
An infection, such as shingles, can lead to inflammation and damage the nerves, and an autoimmune disorder can attack and damage the nerves, leading to worsening of the neuropathy. Finally, diabetes is a common cause of peripheral neuropathy, meaning that uncontrolled blood sugar levels can lead to nerve damage and exacerbate an existing neuropathy condition.
Will I end up in a wheelchair with peripheral neuropathy?
It is possible that you could end up in a wheelchair due to peripheral neuropathy, although it is unlikely. Peripheral neuropathy is a type of nerve damage that can cause weakness and pain, which can lead to difficulty walking or doing everyday activities.
Severe cases of nerve damage can lead to disability and the need for a wheelchair. While it is possible that this could happen, the chances are much lower than if you had a progressive condition like ALS.
The best way to prevent having to use a wheelchair due to peripheral neuropathy is to seek treatment as soon as possible. Treatment can include medications and lifestyle changes, such as physical therapy and changes in diet, to help reduce nerve damage and slow progression.
If you have already been diagnosed, you may want to talk to your doctor about the best way to manage your condition and what treatments they think may help.
