The Pain of Peripheral Neuropathy

Peripheral neuropathy is a painful disorder that is a nerve condition and can result in pain, loss of sensation, and potentially an inability to control muscles. Peripheral neuropathy may be  present in the arms, hands, legs and feet, but neuropathy normally starts first in the feet. 

Even though the underlying causes of peripheral neuropathy are diverse, the overall symptoms and actions of the disorder are similar. Peripheral neuropathy is defined as a polyneuropathy. It is a disorder that occurs when many of the peripheral nerves malfunction at the same time ultimately resulting in loss of sensation and self-awareness.

Symptoms of peripheral neuropathy are:

• Tingling 

• Numbness 

• Loss of sensation in arms and legs

• Burning sensation 

• Pain 

• Sense of ants walking on arms and legs

Diabetes, alcoholism, nutrition deficiencies, trauma, AIDs, infections diseases and syndromes such as Rheumatoid arthritis and Guillain Barre can all cause neuropathy. Diabetic neuropathy is most common and chronic form of peripheral neuropathy resulting from poor control of blood sugar. Guillain-Barre syndrome is less common cause of peripheral neuropathy, but can be one of the more serious causes because it is an autoimmune disease that can lead to paralysis. 

Peripheral neuropathy is a determinate disease. Individuals with neuropathy lose their self-awareness. They are unable to sense temperature and pain. Commonly diabetics develop sores and ulcers from prolong pressure and suffer burn and other injuries from lack of body awareness. If you think you suffer from a peripheral neuropathy you should see your doctor.