Peripheral nerves,  which are composed of nerve fibers, resemble an interconnected network and have the task of carrying signals throughout the body. When the nerves that carry these signals are damaged or diseased, the resulting deformation is called peripheral neuropathy. Nerves outside the brain and spinal cord are therefore called peripheral nerves. Peripheral neuropathy, which occurs when these nerves are damaged, causes a number of abnormal conditions in the body. The most common symptoms are pain, weakness, and numbness in the hands and feet. These nerves, which send information from the brain and spinal cord to different parts of the body, have a very important role. Peripheral neuropathy, which occurs for many reasons, is especially caused by diabetes. Since it is a treatable condition, there are also some treatment methods. In short, this is how you can talk about peripheral neuropathy.

Types Of Peripheral Neuropathy

Peripheral neuropathy is divided into two different types. These are demyelinating neuropathy and axonal degeneration. Information about the  types of peripheral neuropathy  is as follows:

Demyelinating neuropathy: Demyelinating neuropathy occurs when the myelin coating on the axon is damaged or incorrectly formed. It is a serious condition as it affects the way signals travel along the neuron.

Axonal degeneration: Damage or destruction of the axon in nerve cells causes axonal degeneration. This is a very serious type of peripheral neuropathy. This is because the longer the neuron, the worse the effect can be. This type particularly affects the legs and feet. This is also a common type of nerve damage.

Causes Of Peripheral Neuropathy

Peripheral nerve damage occurs due to many factors. From hereditary to environmental causes, many factors can cause this nerve damage. Among the  causes of peripheral nerve damage,  it is possible to list the following:

• Diabetes (the most common cause)
• Traumatic injuries
• Infections
• Metabolic problems
• Hereditary causes
• Autoimmune diseases
• Tumors
• Bone marrow disorders
• Kidney disease
• Connective tissue disorders
• Liver disease
• Hypothyroidism

In general, these are the factors that cause peripheral neuropathy. In addition to these causes, there are also risk factors for this condition. This rare condition is particularly common in adults.  Risk factors for peripheral neuropathy  include:

• Alcohol abuse: Drinking alcohol continuously can lead to vitamin deficiencies, which can cause peripheral nerve damage.
• Vitamin B deficiency: Deficiency of the important vitamins B-1 and B-6 negatively affects nerve health. In addition to these vitamins, vitamin E and niacin can also be added.
• Exposure to poisons: Some substances can also cause peripheral nerve damage. In particular, exposure to certain industrial chemicals and heavy metals is considered a risk factor.
• Some medications: Many medications can also cause this peripheral nerve damage. In particular, chemotherapy drugs used to treat cancer can cause this condition.

Peripheral neuropathy is common in all parts of the globe. Treatment can help prevent this situation from occurring. Because of this, we cannot classify it as a situation that poses a risk to one’s life. On the other hand, getting an early diagnosis and starting treatment is extremely essential to get one’s health under control.

Symptoms Of Peripheral Neuropathy

Since each nerve in the nervous system has a specific function, the symptoms differ according to the nerves that are damaged. The parts of the body most affected by this nerve damage are the hands and feet. It brings along some symptoms in these limbs. The  symptoms of peripheral neuropathy  are as follows:

• Muscle weakness
• Numbness in the hands and feet
• Tingling or burning in the feet or hands
• Sensitivity to touch
• Balance disorders and falls
• Serious foot and hand pain
• Digestive problems
• Excessive sweating
• Heat intolerance
• Blood pressure problems

Some of these can show themselves as symptoms. However, some of these symptoms should be given more attention. If tingling, weakness, and pain in the hands and feet are felt constantly, it is very important to see a doctor. In this way, early diagnosis and treatment can also be utilized. In order to control the symptoms and prevent peripheral neuropathy, you should see a doctor as soon as possible if symptoms are observed.

In addition to the symptoms, there are some complications that peripheral nerve injuries can cause. Heat and pain are very important symptoms for people with these nerve injuries. There is a possibility that these conditions can develop into open wounds. In addition, some metabolic and digestive disorders can develop if the nerves that send signals to the organs are damaged. Diarrhea, constipation, or urinary problems can be considered among these disorders. In severe cases of peripheral neuropathy, blood pressure or heart problems can occur.

What Can Be Done To Prevent Peripheral Nerve Neuropathy?

As with almost all diseases, there are some things that can be done to prevent peripheral neuropathy. Therefore, this nerve damage is a preventable condition. It is therefore possible to delay or prevent the onset of the disease by taking some factors into account. Here are some recommended habits  to prevent peripheral neuropathy:

A regular and balanced diet: a deficiency of certain vitamins can cause peripheral neuropathy. In particular, B vitamins should be taken in adequate amounts.

Controlling certain diseases and bad habits: Controlling certain diseases and bad habits, which are among the risk factors that can cause peripheral neuropathy, can be preventive. Particular attention should be paid to diabetes and rheumatoid arthritis. Another preventive factor is avoiding alcohol.

Exercise and weight control: Regular exercise and weight control are important to prevent damage to the peripheral nerves. These measures are also associated with diabetes. Therefore, regular exercise and a healthy diet are important to prevent diabetes, the most common cause of peripheral neuropathy.

As a result, peripheral neuropathy can occur regardless of age, race, gender, disease, or other factors. However, some diseases are more of a risk factor for this condition. In particular, diabetes is one of the most common causes of peripheral neuropathy. Peripheral neuropathy usually occurs in older people. Early diagnosis and treatment are very important in this condition, as in other diseases.