Peripheral Neuropathy Can Impact Anyone
Peripheral neuropathy is a condition that results because of damage to a patient’s peripheral nerves. This is a condition that can cause a great deal of weakness, pain, and numbness typically found in the exterior limbs, like the hands and feet. However, this pain, weakness and numbness can also affect other areas of the body. We often see this condition among athletes and even musicians, seeking treatment from sports doctors.
Famous people with neuropathy
Anyone who relies on their physical abilities to perform for their job understands how alarming neuropathy can be. This is certainly the case for famous musician Eric Clapton, who has suffered from this condition. Andy Fraser and Keith Emerson also suffered from this condition.
Impacts of the condition
Neuropathy affects the nervous system, which sends information from the brain, using the spinal cord, to the rest of the body. Typically, we find that it can result because of traumatic injuries (such as sports injuries), inherited diseases, exposure to toxins, metabolic problems and even common infections.
Symptoms of peripheral neuropathy
The human body is connected by a series of nerves, and each nerve in the nervous system has a specific function. As a result, symptoms of the disease depend on the types of nerves that have been impacted.
People with peripheral neuropathy generally tend to describe the pain they feel as a stabbing, burning or tingling. Some signs and symptoms may include the following.
Sharp, throbbing, freezing or even jabbing pain
A lack of coordination that may result in falling
Extreme sensitivity, particularly of the skin, to touch
Extreme muscle weakness and in some cases, paralysis, if the motor nerves have been affected
Numbness, tingling in the feet and hands and a gradual spreading of these conditions through the legs and arms
Other symptoms may also include conditions like heat intolerance, digestive problems, extreme sweating, dizziness, light-headedness and even fluctuations in blood pressure
What causes peripheral neuropathy?
There are any number of reasons it can occur. Causes of neuropathy can include the following.
Alcoholism and poor dietary choices, which can lead to vitamin deficiencies
Diabetes
Exposure to poisonous and toxic substances, including heavy metals or chemicals
Certain types of medications, especially those that are used to treat cancer
Infections by certain viral or bacterial diseases
Trauma or pressure on the nerves, caused by accidents, falls, sports injuries, etc., can often lead to severe or damaged nerves
Cancerous and non-cancerous tumors and growth can develop and put pressure on nerves
Vitamin deficiencies, specifically vitamins like B-12 and B-6, can lead to damage
A problem for athletes and anyone who likes to be active
Athletes can often find themselves suffering from peripheral neuropathy because of trauma. Additionally, athletes cannot afford to suffer from the symptoms of this condition without risking their career and their ability to perform. Sports doctors are extremely concerned when a patient has the symptoms of neuropathy, and treatment needs to be in a timely manner.
Call today to begin your recovery
As an athlete who is suffering from any of these symptoms, it is not worth the risk to delay a diagnosis. Call today and start treating your peripheral neuropathy immediately. Early and regular treatments are the best way to promote sustained recovery.
Request an appointment in our Tinton Falls office here: .
