Symptoms of neuropathy may include pain, numbness, tingling, or a pins-and-needles sensation, especially in the hands, feet and lower legs. These symptoms happen because of nerve damage, and the cause of that damage varies from person to person.
Type 2 diabetes is a common cause of neuropathy. Over time, uncontrolled blood sugar levels may result in blood thickening. Thickened blood cannot properly flow through small blood vessels, such as those in the feet and hands. Cells, including nerve cells, do not receive the nutrients and oxygen they need. The result is nerve damage and neuropathy symptoms.
An immune disease or disorder is another possible cause of neuropathy. When the body’s immune system begins attacking nerve cells, symptoms may result from the damage. Exposure to toxins may also cause peripheral neuropathy, and so can certain medications. Nerve damage may be a side-effect of certain statins and chemotherapy drugs.
The underlying factors contributing to neuropathy vary among individuals, even when patients share an apparent ’cause.’ No two people with type 2 diabetes share the exact same physiology, history or lifestyle, for example. Even when the cause appears similar on the surface, the extent of nerve damage must be fully evaluated, as this can significantly impact the type of care the patient will most benefit from receiving. To get the best results from neuropathy support, it’s important to work with a health practitioner who is committed to a comprehensive, holistic evaluation of each patient.
Functional neurology s a type of health care that focuses on finding the root cause of neuropathy, so it is clear how the individual may best be helped. Once the reason for symptoms is identified, customized therapeutic support may facilitate healing. Symptoms are reduced as a result of recovery, and the individual can look forward to long-term improvements in how they feel.