Healthy Foot Blog/Daily Neuropathy Nugget/Neuropathy Nugget #412 - Should You Treat Peripheral Neuropathy?

Neuropathy Nugget #412 - Should You Treat Peripheral Neuropathy?

Friday, October 27, 2023

CUSTOM JAVASCRIPT / HTML
newsletter-title

Nugget Day #412

Trivia Question❓

What is the longest nerve in the human body and which condition can cause damage to this nerve, resulting in symptoms such as numbness, tingling, and weakness?

Answer at the bottom of the newsletter

Neuropathy Secrets

Peripheral neuropathy is a condition that causes damage to the nerves, which can lead to a variety of symptoms, including numbness, tingling, pain, muscle weakness, and difficulty walking. While there is no cure for peripheral neuropathy, there are treatments that can help to manage the symptoms and improve quality of life.


The author of the article argues that peripheral neuropathy should always be treated, even if you don't yet have symptoms. There are four main reasons for this:


    • Peripheral neuropathy is already a problem once diagnosed. Even if you don't have any symptoms yet, the fact that you have peripheral neuropathy means that your nerves are already damaged. This damage can cause symptoms eventually, even if it doesn't right now.


    • Peripheral neuropathy is progressive. This means that it will get worse over time, regardless of whether or not you treat it. However, treatment can help to slow the progression of the disease and reduce the severity of your symptoms.


    • Treatment is easier when the disease is less severe. The sooner you start treating peripheral neuropathy, the easier it will be to manage your symptoms and improve your quality of life.


    • Treatment can stop nerve damage. While there is no cure for peripheral neuropathy, treatment can help to stop the nerve damage that is happening. This can prevent your symptoms from getting worse and improve your overall prognosis.


The author concludes by saying that he always recommends treatment for peripheral neuropathy, even if you don't yet have symptoms. He believes that it is the best thing for you in the long run.

What Causes Peripheral Neuropathy?

Gastric bypass surgery can cause peripheral neuropathy in two main ways:


    • Vitamin deficiency: Gastric bypass surgery reduces the amount of food and nutrients that the body absorbs. This can lead to deficiencies in vitamins that are essential for nerve health, such as thiamine (vitamin B1), vitamin B6, and vitamin B12.


    • Rapid weight loss: Gastric bypass surgery can lead to rapid weight loss. This can put stress on the nerves and make them more susceptible to damage.


Other factors that may increase the risk of peripheral neuropathy after gastric bypass surgery include:


    • Diabetes: People with diabetes are already at increased risk of developing peripheral neuropathy. Gastric bypass surgery can improve blood sugar control, but it does not eliminate the risk of neuropathy.


    • Alcohol abuse: Alcohol abuse can damage nerves, including those in the periphery.


    • Advanced age: Peripheral neuropathy is more common in older adults.


Symptoms of peripheral neuropathy can include numbness, tingling, burning pain, and weakness in the hands and feet. In severe cases, peripheral neuropathy can lead to muscle atrophy, loss of coordination, and difficulty walking.


If you have undergone gastric bypass surgery, it is important to follow your doctor's recommendations for taking vitamin supplements and eating a healthy diet. You should also see your doctor regularly for checkups to monitor for any signs of peripheral neuropathy.

Neuropathy News

Peripheral Neuropathy: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment: This article from Johns Hopkins Medicine discusses the symptoms, causes, and treatment options for peripheral neuropathy.

Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy: A Comprehensive Review: This review article from Frontiers in Neurology discusses diabetic peripheral neuropathy, including its pathophysiology, diagnosis, and treatment options.

Peripheral Neuropathy: New Insights Into Pathogenesis and Treatment: This review article from Nature Reviews Neurology discusses new insights into the pathogenesis and treatment of peripheral neuropathy.

💡 Answer to Trivia Question:

The longest nerve in the human body is the sciatic nerve, measuring up to 60 centimeters. The condition that can cause damage to this nerve is neuropathy.

GET YOUR ANSWERS tODAY WITHOUT GOING TO THE DOCTOR...Join THE HEALTHY FEET COLLECTIVE

Start saving time and money while still improving your health!

CUSTOM JAVASCRIPT / HTML

© 2023 Dr Brandt Gibson, LLC,
Mountain West Foot & Ankle Institute, PLLC
& Dr Brandt R Gibson


All Rights Reserved
Privacy Policy
| Terms of Use