Neuropathy happens when there’s a problem with the nerves that send messages between your brain, spine, and body. Different nerves control different things, so neuropathy can cause many symptoms. Here are some common ones:
- Numbness and Tingling
This often starts in the feet or hands and can spread. It may feel like pins and needles or your foot “falling asleep.” Sometimes, it can be harder to feel pain or changes in temperature.
- Sharp or Shooting Pain
People with neuropathy often feel sudden, sharp pain in their legs, arms, or other areas. Even a light touch, like brushing against clothing, can hurt. This happens when the nerves sending pain signals don’t work correctly.
- Loss of Balance
Neuropathy can affect your ability to walk or stand steadily. Weak muscles or loss of feeling in the legs can make it hard to know where your body is in space, causing balance problems or falls.
- Muscle Cramps
Cramps are painful muscle spasms that happen more often with neuropathy. These can be strong enough to wake someone from sleep or interfere with daily activities. Sometimes, over-the-counter pain relievers may not help.
- Muscle Weakness
Muscles can feel weak if the nerves controlling them are damaged. This can make small tasks difficult, like picking up objects, writing, or even walking. In older adults, this might be mistaken for aging, but it could be neuropathy.
- Digestive Troubles
Neuropathy can affect nerves that control the stomach and intestines. This might cause symptoms like bloating, gas, constipation, or diarrhea. If left untreated, these problems can get worse.
- Trouble Walking
Your body relies on both sensory and motor nerves to walk normally. Neuropathy can cause changes in the way you walk, like dragging your feet or having an uneven gait, which might lead to falls or injuries.
- Low Blood Pressure
Neuropathy can also impact the nerves that regulate blood pressure. This can lead to low blood pressure, making you feel dizzy, lightheaded, or even faint. In some cases, you might feel heart palpitations or see blurred vision.
- Bell’s Palsy
This rare symptom of neuropathy affects the nerves in the face, causing one side to droop or become paralyzed. Bell’s palsy may make it difficult to blink or smile, but it usually goes away over time.
- Other Symptoms
Neuropathy can cause a wide range of issues, depending on which nerves are affected. Some people may experience trouble with sweating, bladder control, or even vision problems like double vision. Carpal tunnel syndrome is another condition linked to neuropathy that causes tingling and pain in the hands and fingers.
What to Do Next?
Neuropathy can be frustrating, but treatments are available. It’s important to talk to your doctor if you notice any of these symptoms so you can get help and start feeling better.
Neuropathy is a progressive condition, meaning it can worsen over time if left untreated. The sooner you get help, the better your chances of slowing down or even reversing the damage. Don’t wait for these symptoms to interfere with your daily life. Our clinic specializes in treatments designed to address the root causes of neuropathy and offer relief. If you’re noticing signs like numbness, pain, or weakness, contact us today to schedule a consultation. Let’s work together to get you back to feeling your best!
