Neuropathy REversal Program
Peripheral Neuropathy, What is it?
Peripheral neuropathy, commonly referred to as Small Fiber PolyNeuropathy, effects nerve endings most commonly in the lower legs and feet, but may also occur in the hands.
It is said to affect nearly 47 million Americans.
Peripheral neuropathy is characterized by a trilogy of symptoms, usually numbness and tingling and eventually leads to debilitating balance problems. Pain is the variable with peripheral neuropathy. Some people never experience pain and for some people, pain is the first symptom to show up.
The pain of peripheral neuropathy varies from person to person. Some people have a burning type pain. For some it feels like electrical shocks. For others it’s like their feet are being torn apart.
Peripheral Neuropathy, What causes it?
If you look at the photo, you will see 3 different types of nerves. On the top there is a healthy nerve and i has a little blood vessel all wrapped around it underneath these blood vessels you have what is called the myelin sheath. It is like insulation on an electrical cord and your nerves need it to function properly.
For that myelin sheath to survive it has to be nourished by blood vessels like the ones you see. When looking at the middle nerve in the picture, it looks like it is starting to shrink. The constriction of blood vessels in this nerve decreases the amount of blood flow getting to the nerve and it limits the amount of nutrients that receives and eventually if this keeps happening it ends up looking like the bottom nerve for it looks like it’s dying off.
This is exactly what happens in neuropathy.
There are various reasons this can happen:
1) Metabolic/Functional Causes: These causes are typically “lifestyle diseases” that develop as a result of not giving the body what it needs to function properly, such as sufficient daily exercise or hydration, as well as overindulgence in things like food and/or alcohol. Most of these causes involve damage to the cardiovascular/ circulatory system and reduce blood flow to the nerves of the lower legs and feet or lower arms and hands. Type 2 Diabetes is the most common lifestyle cause of peripheral neuropathy, however, other circulatory conditions such as heart disease, high blood pressure, congestive heart failure, and stroke can cause peripheral neuropathy as well.
2) Chemical Causes: Chemical causes of peripheral neuropathy include anything that gets into the body by chance or by choice. These include medications like over the counter anti-inflammatories as well as statin drugs commonly used for treating high cholesterol, chemotherapy, radiation treatment. Excessive sugar consumption over time can lead to Type 2 Diabetes which is one of the most common causes of Peripheral Neuropathy
3) Physical/Traumatic Causes: Localized injuries to the extremities can harm peripheral nerve endings.
What happens if you don’t treat your condition?
Ignoring peripheral neuropathy can lead to a range of complications that may significantly impact your quality of life. Here are some potential consequences of untreated neuropathy:
- Worsening Symptoms: Without treatment, symptoms such as pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness in the extremities may become more severe, making everyday activities increasingly difficult.
- Loss of Sensation: Persistent neuropathy can lead to a decrease in sensitivity, which may result in injuries going unnoticed, increasing the risk of cuts, blisters, or infections.
- Balance and Coordination Issues: Neuropathy can affect your balance and coordination, leading to a higher risk of falls and related injuries.
- Muscle Weakness and Atrophy: Over time, untreated nerve damage can result in muscle weakness or wasting due to disuse, impacting your mobility and overall physical function.
- Emotional and Psychological Effects: Chronic pain and discomfort can lead to emotional distress, anxiety, or depression, further complicating your overall health and well-being.
- Potential for Serious Conditions: In some cases, underlying causes of neuropathy, such as diabetes, may progress without intervention, leading to more serious health complications including, but not limited to, amputation.
- Quality of Life Deterioration: The cumulative effects of untreated neuropathy can significantly diminish your overall quality of life, affecting your ability to work, engage in social activities, and enjoy daily life.
At Apex, we prioritize early intervention and comprehensive treatment plans to manage peripheral neuropathy effectively. If you’re experiencing symptoms, we encourage you to seek evaluation and care to prevent further complications and enhance your quality of life.