Weakness, Tingling, Numbness in the Hands and Feet? Could it be Neuropathy?

According to the Cleveland Clinic, “Neuropathy-also called peripheral neuropathy- refers to any condition that affects the normal activity of the nerves of the peripheral nervous system” The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, explains that there are over 100 types of peripheral neuropathy with varying symptoms which depend on the type of nerves that are damaged.

Motor Nerve Damage Symptoms: Muscle weakness, painful cramps, uncontrollable muscle twitching visible under the skin, and muscle shrinking.

Sensory Nerve Damage Symptoms: Inability to feel vibrations and touch in the hands and feet, loss od reflexes, loss of position sense-unable to walk, fasten buttons or maintain balance with eyes shut, inability to feel pain or temperature changes and extreme pain from the slightest touch.

Automatic Nerve Damage Symptoms: Excess sweating, heat intolerance, inability to expand and contract the small blood vessels that regulate blood pressure, and gastrointestinal symptoms.

Neuropathy is either acquired or genetic. One can acquire neuropathy in many ways such as through physical injury, diabetes, vascular or blood issues, autoimmune diseases, hormonal imbalances, kidney and liver disorders, nutritional or vitamin imbalances, alcoholism, exposure to toxins, cancers or benign tumors, chemotherapy drugs, and infections. Treatment depends on the type of nerve damage and the cause.

If you are experiencing any of the symptoms mentioned in this article and are concerned about neuropathy, speak with your healthcare provider. You may walk-in or schedule an appointment  at any of our convenient Primary Medical Care Center community clinics, you may visit our website at www.primarymed.com, or call (305)751-1500 for our Miami-Dade clinic, or (954)289-0000 for our Broward clinic.

Source: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/14737-neuropathy

https://www.ninds.nih.gov/Disorders/Patient-Caregiver-Education/Fact-Sheets/Peripheral-Neuropathy-Fact-Sheet#3208_3

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