Symptoms
You might notice:
- Tingling or numbness in fingers or toes
- Burning or sharp pain
- Weak muscles
- Trouble feeling hot or cold
- Balance issues or frequent falls
These symptoms can come and go or slowly get worse over time. You don’t have to wait for them to take over your life before finding relief.
Causes
Neuropathy happens when nerves are damaged. That damage can come from many sources, including:
- Diabetes
- Injury or trauma
- Infections
- Autoimmune diseases
- Certain medications or treatments, such as chemotherapy
Risk Factors
You may be more likely to develop neuropathy if you:
- Have diabetes or prediabetes
- Drink heavily
- Have a family history of nerve problems
- Take specific medications over time
- Have vitamin deficiencies
Diagnosis
Your doctor may ask about your symptoms, do a physical exam, and order tests like:
- Blood work
- Nerve conduction studies
- Imaging
- A nerve biopsy, in some cases
These tools help pinpoint what’s going on, so your care team can plan what’s next.
Treatments
Care for neuropathy is tailored to your needs and what’s causing the nerve damage. You’ll have a care team that helps you manage symptoms, so you can move with more confidence. Your treatment may include:
- Medications to ease pain
- Physical therapy to improve strength and balance
- Dietary changes or supplements
- Better blood sugar control, if diabetes is a factor
- Support with lifestyle changes, like quitting alcohol or smoking
Outlook with Neuropathy
Some nerve damage can be reversed if caught early. In other cases, treatment helps slow things down and gives you more control over symptoms. Every small improvement, like less pain, steadier steps, and better sleep, is a win worth celebrating.
Talk to your doctor about your treatment plan and your long-term outlook with neuropathy.
Prevention
Some causes of neuropathy can be avoided or slowed. If your hands or feet don’t feel right, you don’t have to wait. Get care now to protect your future movement, comfort, and independence. You can lower your risk by:
- Managing blood sugar
- Staying active
- Eating a balanced diet
- Avoiding alcohol or tobacco
- Seeing a doctor if you notice early signs