OverviewPeripheral neuropathy, a result of damage to the nerves located outside of the brain and spinal cord (peripheral nerves), often causes weakness, numbness and pain, usually in the hands and feet. It can also affect other areas and body functions including digestion, urination and circulation. Show
Your peripheral nervous system sends information from your brain and spinal cord (central nervous system) to the rest of your body. The peripheral nerves also send sensory information to the central nervous system. 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. In many cases, symptoms improve, especially if caused by a treatable condition. Medications can reduce the pain of peripheral neuropathy. SymptomsEvery nerve in your peripheral system has a specific function, so symptoms depend on the type of nerves affected. Nerves are classified into:
Signs and symptoms of peripheral neuropathy might include:
If autonomic nerves are affected, signs and symptoms might include:
Peripheral neuropathy can affect one nerve (mononeuropathy), two or more nerves in different areas (multiple mononeuropathy), or many nerves (polyneuropathy). Carpal tunnel syndrome is an example of mononeuropathy. Most people with peripheral neuropathy have polyneuropathy. When to see a doctorSeek medical care right away if you notice unusual tingling, weakness or pain in your hands or feet. Early diagnosis and treatment offer the best chance for controlling your symptoms and preventing further damage to your peripheral nerves. Sign up for free, and stay up to date on research advancements, health tips and current health topics, like COVID-19, plus expertise on managing health. To provide you with the most relevant and helpful information, and understand which information is beneficial, we may combine your email and website usage information with other information we have
about you. If you are a Mayo Clinic patient, this could include protected health information. If we combine this information with your protected health information, we will treat all of that information as protected health information and will only use or disclose that information as set forth in our notice of privacy practices. You may opt-out of email communications at any time by clicking on the unsubscribe link in the e-mail. CausesPeripheral neuropathy is nerve damage caused by a number of different conditions. Health conditions that can cause peripheral neuropathy include:
Other causes of neuropathies include:
In a number of cases, no cause can be identified (idiopathic). Risk factorsPeripheral neuropathy risk factors include:
ComplicationsComplications of peripheral neuropathy can include:
PreventionManage underlying conditionsThe best way to prevent peripheral neuropathy is to manage medical conditions that put you at risk, such as diabetes, alcoholism or rheumatoid arthritis. Make healthy lifestyle choicesThese habits support your nerve health:
Aug. 11, 2022 What can be done for nerve damage in legs?Restoring function. Braces or splints. These devices keep the affected limb, fingers, hand or foot in the proper position to improve muscle function.. Electrical stimulator. Stimulators can activate muscle served by an injured nerve while the nerve regrows. ... . Physical therapy. ... . Exercise.. What are the first signs of nerve damage?10 Signs You May Be Suffering from Nerve Pain. Numbness or tingling in feet and hands.. Loss of balance and falling.. Throbbing and sharp pain.. Extreme sensitivity to touch.. Dropping things with your hands.. Muscle weakness.. Heavy feeling in arms and legs.. Dramatic drop in blood pressure.. What happens if you have nerve damage in your leg?Damage to the nerves can make it harder to control muscles. It can also cause weakness. You may notice problems moving a part of your body. You may fall because your legs buckle.
How do I know if my nerve damage is serious?See a doctor right away if you have any of the following symptoms.. You feel numbness, tingling, or burning. ... . So you may get injured because you didn't feel something you should have. ... . It's difficult or impossible to move part of your body. ... . There is pain running down just one leg. ... . You're way clumsier than usual.. |