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Burning Pain or Tingling Sensation in Hands or Feet: Understanding Peripheral Neuropathy

James Gray

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Peripheral neuropathy is a condition that affects the nerves that send signals from the brain and spinal cord to the rest of the body. These nerves are called peripheral nerves, and they run throughout the body, including the arms, legs, hands, and feet.

When peripheral nerves are damaged, it can cause a variety of symptoms, including:

Burning Pain or Tingling Sensation in Hands or feet

by Lawrence Kelter

5 out of 5

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Burning pain or tingling sensation in the hands or feet

Numbness or loss of sensation in the hands or feet

Weakness in the hands or feet

Difficulty walking

Balance problems

Bowel or bladder problems

Sexual dysfunction

Peripheral neuropathy can be caused by a variety of factors, including:

Diabetes

Alcoholism

Chemotherapy

HIV/AIDS

Guillain-Barré syndrome

Lead poisoning

Vitamin B12 deficiency

In some cases, the cause of peripheral neuropathy is unknown.

The symptoms of peripheral neuropathy can range from mild to severe. In some cases, peripheral neuropathy can be temporary, while in other cases it can be permanent.

Diagnosis

Peripheral neuropathy is diagnosed based on a physical examination and a review of the patient's medical history. The doctor may also order blood tests, nerve conduction studies, and electromyography (EMG) to confirm the diagnosis.

Treatment

The treatment for peripheral neuropathy depends on the cause of the condition. In some cases, treatment may not be necessary. However, if the peripheral neuropathy is caused by an underlying medical condition, such as diabetes or alcoholism, treating the underlying condition may help to improve the symptoms of peripheral neuropathy.

There are a variety of medications that can be used to treat peripheral neuropathy, including:

Pain relievers, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen

Antidepressants, such as amitriptyline or duloxetine

Anticonvulsants, such as gabapentin or pregabalin

Opioid pain relievers, such as oxycodone or morphine

In some cases, surgery may be necessary to treat peripheral neuropathy. Surgery may be used to remove a tumor that is compressing a nerve or to repair a nerve that has been damaged.

Natural Remedies

In addition to medical treatment, there are a number of natural remedies that may help to relieve the symptoms of peripheral neuropathy. These remedies include:

Vitamin B12 supplements

Alpha-lipoic acid supplements

Acupuncture

Massage therapy

Yoga

Home Care

There are a number of things that you can do at home to help relieve the symptoms of peripheral neuropathy, including:

Applying warm or cold compresses to the affected area

Taking over-the-counter pain relievers, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen

Getting regular exercise

Eating a healthy diet

Managing your blood sugar levels, if you have diabetes

Limiting your alcohol intake

Quitting smoking

Peripheral neuropathy can be a debilitating condition, but it is important to remember that there are a number of treatment options available. With proper treatment, most people with peripheral neuropathy can manage their symptoms and improve their quality of life.

Burning Pain or Tingling Sensation in Hands or feet

by Lawrence Kelter

5 out of 5