10 Peripheral Neuropathy Risk

Factors

Neuropathy can be caused by an underlying condition or

disease, nerve compression, laceration, and inflammation. The following ten risk factors

help patients and doctors alike understand the

development of their nerve pain so a proper treatment

can be designed.

Diabetes

Neuropathy is a disabling lower extremity condition that many diabetic patients encounter within their disease. According to research, about 50 percent of patients with diabetes will develop diabetic neuropathy. People with diabetes who do not manage their blood glucose levels properly are at an even higher risk of developing diabetic nerve pain.

Thyroid Disorders

Metabolic disorders other than diabetes, including pre-diabetes, have a similar impact on nerve function.

Alcohol

Alcoholic neuropathy

is a result of poor

nutrition and

poisoning of the

nerves through

excessive alcohol

intake. Experts say

that as many as half of alcohol abusers

will develop nerve pain.

Vitamin Deficiencies

Vitamin B-12 is an essential

nutrient that the body produces

naturally. Serious anemia, nerve

damage, and degeneration of the

spinal cord may ensue if there is a

sufficient deficiency of this

fundamental vitamin.

Infections

Lyme disease, for example, is

an inflammatory disease that

produces a skin rash and joint

pain. Nerve pain often

develops as a result of

weakened limbs.

Other infections that may promote nerve

pain include shingles, Epstein-Barr virus,

hepatitis C, and HIV.

Autoimmune Diseases

Rheumatoid arthritis and lupus, for

example, cause the immune system

to attack a person’s own nerve

tissue.

Kidney & Liver Disorders

These disorders sometimes affect the

immune system, which can manipulate

information sent through the nerve

pathways. Diseases of the liver and

kidney affect the ability of the body to

remove toxins from the

blood, impacting the

nerve function.

Exposure to Toxins

This can be from drug ingestion, drug or

chemical abuse, or some sort of chemical

exposure in the environment (ie

industrial workplace. Exposure to toxic

substances can affect nerve function

when blood flow to the limbs

is hindered, depriving nerve

cells of oxygen.

Repetitive Physical Stress

Entrapment neuropathies are frequently

developed from repetitive and forceful

actions that require

excessive motions of

joints in the body. These

activities can cause

inflammation to the

ligaments, tendons, and

muscles, eventually leading to constricted

nerve pathways.

Injury

Twisted an ankle and still have pain

months later? This could be a sign

of nerve damage or entrapment.

The same can happen with other

acute injuries, such as blunt

trauma.

To Learn More about Neuropathy and Your Treatment Options:

www.usneuropathycenters.com