Health Reporter
Have you ever felt a persistent tingling or pain in your hands or feet? These sensations could signal neuropathy, a condition involving nerve dysfunction in the limbs, according to Dr. Eva Feldman, a neurology professor at the University of Michigan Medical School.
What Causes Neuropathy?
Neuropathy becomes more common with age as nerve cells deteriorate and lose function.
“If they are damaged by injury or an underlying medical condition, they struggle more to recover,” explains Dr. Anne Louise Oaklander, a neurology associate professor at Harvard Medical School.
Chronic illnesses like diabetes, autoimmune disorders, and certain chemotherapy treatments can trigger neuropathy.
Other risk factors include long-term untreated hypothyroidism, kidney disease, and obesity, notes the Mayo Clinic. Additionally, vitamin B12 deficiency—affecting at least 20% of adults over 60—may contribute, says Dr. Kunal Desai of Yale School of Medicine.
Recognizing the Symptoms
The hallmark signs are tingling, burning, or painful sensations in the hands or feet.
“Patients often describe it as feeling like ants crawling on their feet, or even as prickling or burning,” says Feldman.
Numbness leading to unsteadiness is another red flag.
When to Seek Help
If you experience these symptoms—especially with diabetes or chemotherapy treatment—consult a doctor immediately. A primary care physician will examine your skin, reflexes, and sensitivity to vibrations or pain. Abnormal results may prompt nerve tests or blood work to check for underlying conditions.
“If the neuropathy is one-sided or worse on one side, see a neurologist to rule out serious conditions like ALS,” Feldman advises.
Treatment Options
Treatment depends on the cause:
- Diabetes-related neuropathy may improve with exercise and weight loss (per a 2022 Lancet Neurology review).
- Autoimmune or vitamin deficiency-related cases often ease once the root issue is treated.
- Chemotherapy-induced neuropathy may require adjusted dosages or a treatment break.
For persistent pain, medications like tricyclic antidepressants (amitriptyline), SNRIs (duloxetine), or gabapentinoids (gabapentin) may help, per the American Academy of Neurology. Topical capsaicin patches can also provide relief but may cause irritation.
Preventive Measures
- Foot care: Annual podiatrist visits and daily self-checks for sores or infections are crucial for those with foot neuropathy.
- Vaccination: Adults over 50 should get the Shingrix vaccine to prevent shingles, which can lead to postherpetic neuralgia—a condition mimicking neuropathy. “Shingrix is over 90% effective in preventing it,” Feldman notes.
Early intervention is key. If you suspect neuropathy, don’t delay—seek medical advice to address symptoms and underlying causes promptly.
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