Neuropathy is a common condition, with the risk and prevalence increasing with age. It often affects people with underlying health conditions, such as diabetes, chronic kidney disease, and autoimmune disorders.
Peripheral neuropathy becomes more likely the longer you have had diabetes. Up to 1 in 4 people with the condition experience some pain caused by nerve damage. If you have diabetes, your risk of polyneuropathy is higher if your blood sugar is poorly controlled or you: smoke.
Here is a look at the six main causes of neuropathy:
Yes, neuropathy, particularly diabetic neuropathy, can cause swelling in the legs and feet. This occurs due to poor circulation and fluid retention. What types of neuropathies are most likely to cause swelling? Peripheral and diabetic neuropathy are most commonly associated with swelling in the extremities.
Peripheral neuropathy can result from traumatic injuries, infections, metabolic problems, inherited causes and exposure to toxins. One of the most common causes of neuropathy is diabetes. People with peripheral neuropathy usually describe the pain as stabbing, burning or tingling.
People are also more likely to develop peripheral neuropathy as they age. It most commonly occurs in people in their 70s and 80s. There is no cure for peripheral neuropathy, but controlling underlying conditions (like diabetes) and managing symptoms may prevent the problem from worsening.
A lack of B12 damages the myelin sheath that surrounds and protect nerves. Without this protection, nerves cease to function properly and conditions such as peripheral neuropathy occur. Even B12 deficiency that is relatively mild may affect the nervous system and the proper functioning of the brain.
Biopsy and scans
This is a minor surgical procedure where a small sample of a peripheral nerve is removed from near your ankle so it can be examined under a microscope. It's then checked for changes that could be a sign of certain types of peripheral neuropathy.
The most common causes of neuropathy include diabetes, vitamin deficiencies (vitamin b12 deficiency, most prominently), chemotherapy, toxin exposure, alcoholism, certain infections (like hepatitis and HIV) and genetic conditions. These issues cause cumulative damage to nerves and, over time, take a toll.
Neuropathic arthritis, also known as Charcot's joint or neurogenic arthropathy, is a severe form of arthritis where the cartilage between bones has been completely worn down and the joint has been severely damaged from continued friction.
You're likely to start by seeing your health care professional. You may then be referred to a doctor trained in nervous system disorders, also called a neurologist. Here's information to help you get ready for your appointment.
Stage 4: When peripheral neuropathy reaches this stage, you will feel complete numbness and loss of sensation in your hands and feet. The risk of amputation increases in this stage.
Inflammatory neuropathies can be caused by infections or an autoimmune process. There are several specific causes of this neuropathy. However, in most cases the immune system begins attacking the nerves, which causes neuropathy. Patients can complain of sensory symptoms like burning, tingling or numbness.
The symptoms of hereditary neuropathies may appear at birth or in middle or late life. They can vary among different family members, with some members having more severe symptoms than others. The hereditary neuropathies can be diagnosed by: Blood tests for genetic testing.
The prevalence of neuropathy was highest in patients who, in those 3 years, progressed to diabetes at 3‐year follow up (50%) followed by those who progressed to prediabetes (49%)28.
A quick and easy way to test this at home is touching the 1st, 3rd and 5th toes of both feet with your index finger. This can be performed by either you or a family member. The test is positive for diminished sensitivity if you cannot feel the foot being touched or it is different from the unaffected side.
The most common cause of peripheral neuropathy is unmanaged type 2 diabetes. When your blood sugar is too high for too long, it damages your peripheral nerves. That's why people with type 2 diabetes can lose feeling in their feet and lower legs.
Usually a peripheral neuropathy can't be cured, but you can do a lot of things to prevent it from getting worse. If an underlying condition like diabetes is at fault, your healthcare provider will treat that first and then treat the pain and other symptoms of neuropathy.
Avoid going barefoot
Bare feet are vulnerable to cuts, scrapes, and dirt, all of which can create infection. People living with foot neuropathy should avoid going barefoot, both outside and inside.
Radiculopathy is often mistaken for neuropathy because both conditions cause similar symptoms, such as pain, weakness, numbness, and tingling.
The most effective treatment for neuropathy depends on the cause, but often involves a multi-faceted approach: medications like gabapentin, pregabalin, duloxetine, or amitriptyline for pain; physical therapy for strength and balance; treating the underlying condition (like diabetes control); and lifestyle changes like gentle exercise, stress management (meditation, yoga), and topical treatments (lidocaine, capsaicin). A comprehensive plan combines these strategies to manage symptoms, improve function, and potentially slow progression.
A blood test can detect conditions that may be causing peripheral neuropathy, such as diabetes, nutrient deficiencies, liver or kidney dysfunction, and abnormal immune system activity.
Deficiencies in vitamins B1 (thiamin), B3 (niacin), B5 (pantothenic acid), and B6 (pyridoxine) are also linked to neuropathy, as is a deficiency in a type of vitamin E called alpha-tocopherol. Alcohol misuse can cause a thiamin deficiency and lead to neuropathy as well.
Although quite rare, B12 may aid in repairing the myelin sheath depending on the underlying cause of the neuropathy. Not everyone who has neuropathy is B12 deficient. Its role in promoting tissue regeneration and enhancing nerve function can be beneficial for some individuals.
To stop nerve pain immediately, topical lidocaine or capsaicin creams/patches can provide quick numbing relief, while prescription options like anti-seizure drugs (gabapentin) or strong painkillers (tramadol) offer faster but not always instant relief; gentle stretches, TENS, and relaxation techniques can also help manage acute flare-ups by blocking pain signals or relaxing muscles.