Neuropathy is a condition that results from damage or disorder in the peripheral nerves, which are nerves that are outside of the brain and spinal cord. It most commonly affects the extremities, but it can impact other parts of the body, too. Symptoms can include tingling, stabbing pain, muscle weakness, and numbness, among others.
At Transformational Healing Universe in the Pico-Robertson neighborhood of Los Angeles, Har Hari Khalsa, DC, offers a dedicated neuropathy program that can help you move toward a future with fewer and less severe symptoms. In this blog, Dr. Khalsa explains six common causes of neuropathy.
1. Diabetes
High blood sugar levels can lead to nerve damage. In diabetics, the condition is called diabetic neuropathy, which often affects the feet and legs. As many as half of people with diabetes suffer from this complication, and left untreated, the condition can even lead to the need for amputation.
If you have diabetes and you notice numbness, tingling, or other sensations in your feet or legs, don’t wait to seek treatment.
2. Traumatic injury
A serious injury can damage your nerves, interfering with their ability to send and receive signals from your brain. If you have lingering symptoms after a car accident, fall, or other type of injury, neuropathy could be to blame.
3. Autoimmune diseases
If you have an autoimmune disease that attacks your nerves, you could find yourself dealing with the complication of neuropathy. Some autoimmune diseases that can cause nerve damage include the following:
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Lupus
- Sjogren’s syndrome
- Guillain-Barre syndrome
- Vasculitis
While treating your autoimmune disease may help prevent more nerve damage, you may need treatment specifically for your neuropathy to alleviate symptoms you may be experiencing.
4. Infections
Certain infections can attack your nerves and contribute to the development of neuropathy. Infections that can cause neuropathy include:
- West Nile virus
- Lyme disease
- Herpes
- Chickenpox
- Shingles
- Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)
- Hepatitis C
- Leprosy
Early treatment for any of these infections can help prevent nerve damage.
5. Side effects from medical treatments
Some antibiotics, chemotherapy drugs, and anti-seizure medications can cause neuropathy. Radiation therapy can also cause nerve damage, but neuropathy symptoms might not develop until months or even years later.
6. Kidney or liver disease
Problems with your liver or kidneys may interfere with your body’s ability to get rid of toxic substances. When these toxins build up in your blood, they might damage your nerves and lead to neuropathy.
Whatever is causing your neuropathy, we can help. To get started with our neuropathy program, book an appointment online or over the phone with our team at Transformational Healing Universe today.