Neuropathy - Pain Awareness Month

Pain Awareness Month, observed every year in September, is a global campaign aimed at raising awareness about pain, its management, and the impact it has on individuals and society. This year, we are discussing neuropathy with Gaurang Palikh, MD, FAAN, of Catawba Valley Neurology. 

Neuropathy is a form of nerve damage that is estimated to affect more than 20 million Americans, and often accompanies other health problems including diabetes, cancer, shingles, autoimmune disease, and injuries like carpal tunnel or back and neck injuries. Pain associated with neuropathy can vary in severity, from a little annoying to debilitating, and can range from mild numbness and weakness to intense paresthesia (“pins and needles”). 

Early signs of neuropathy can include muscle weakness, twitching or cramps, numbness or loss of sensation, and lightheadedness. As the condition progresses, patients might also experience imbalance, emotional distress, or trouble sleeping. Some patients complain of losing sensation in their feet or have problems with motor control, and others feel neuropathic pain in their feet, plus legs, back and hands, which can make even resting, like lying down, very difficult. 

There are different types of neuropathies, having different causes and modes of treatment. One of the most common forms of neuropathy is peripheral neuropathy. The peripheral nerves are the network of nerves that extend from the brain and spinal cord (central nervous system) to the rest of the body. They play a crucial role in transmitting sensory information (e.g., touch, pain, temperature) and motor commands (e.g., muscle movement). Damage to these nerves causes a wide array of symptoms all over the body. 

People who are at increased risk of peripheral neuropathy may have: 

– A history of poorly controlled diabetes 

– High blood sugar 

– High blood pressure 

– High triglyceride levels 

– Obesity 

– Smoking 

– Nutritional deficiencies or toxicities 

– Heavy alcohol consumption 

– Rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, or other autoimmune diseases 

– A family history of Charcot-Marie-Tooth Disease, familial amyloid polyneuropathy, or other inherited nerve conditions

– A person’s risk increases with age; older adults are more likely to develop peripheral neuropathy than younger adults. 

Peripheral neuropathy is very common among people with diabetes. Around 50% of people who have diabetes develop this condition over time. The longer a person has diabetes, particularly if it isn’t well-controlled, the more likely it is that they will develop peripheral neuropathy. There is no cure for peripheral neuropathy, but controlling underlying conditions like diabetes and managing symptoms may prevent future complications, including amputation. According to Dr. Palikh, the best way to prevent neuropathy caused by diabetes is by living a healthy lifestyle by exercising, keeping a low cholesterol, and eating nutritious food, as well as working closely with your primary care doctor to maintain good health. 

Specialists at Catawba Valley Neurology, like Dr. Palikh, approach treating patients with neuropathy as individuals with their own concerns and needs. “First things first, each and every patient is unique. There is no cookie cutter approach, so we look at the whole person and develop a plan tailored to their needs,” said Dr. Palikh. 

No matter how mild or severe, our specialists at Catawba Valley Neurology are here to help patients manage their neuropathy pain and treatment. To learn more about Catawba Valley Neurology, visit CatawbaValleyHealth.org/Neurology.