What causes neuropathy?

What causes neuropathy?

Peripheral neuropathy can result from traumatic injuries, infections, metabolic problems, inherited causes and exposure to toxins. One of the most common causes is diabetes. People with peripheral neuropathy generally describe the pain as stabbing, burning or tingling.

What is Neuropathy and how is it treated?

Treatment for peripheral neuropathy depends on the cause. Some common treatments involve physical therapy, surgery, and injections for increased nerve pressure. Other treatments focus on reducing pain and discomfort with over-the-counter painkillers such as ibuprofen or aspirin.

What are the symptoms of neuropathic pain?

The pain is usually described as a burning sensation and affected areas are often sensitive to the touch. Symptoms of neuropathic pain may also include excruciating pain, pins and needles, difficulty correctly sensing temperatures and numbness.

How long does it take for neuropathy to progress?

How quickly does neuropathy develop? Some peripheral neuropathies develop slowly – over months to years – while others develop more rapidly and continue to get worse. There are over 100 types of neuropathies and each type can develop differently.

What is the latest treatment for peripheral neuropathy?

New Capsaicin Patch Helps to Reduce Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy of the Feet. Qutenza trial data demonstrated up to a 33% reduction in pain. FDA approved a new capsaicin drug for treating diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) of the feet in July 2020.

What happens when neuropathy gets worse?

If left untreated, the numbness, tingling, and burning caused by peripheral neuropathy will get worse over time. The damaged nerves will continue to send confusing messages to the brain more frequently until the spinal cord gets so used to sending the signals, it will continue to do it on its own.

Does neuropathy affect balance?

Peripheral neuropathy is a disorder of the sensory nerves that can cause serious balance deficits. If neuropathy affects the feet, then there is no input to the brain to indicate where the feet are. This often results in tripping, stumbles and falls.