Peripheral neuropathy refers to damage or dysfunction of peripheral nerves, the ones outside your brain and spinal cord. These nerves carry sensory information, control muscle movement, and govern automatic functions like sweating and blood pressure.
Many people with peripheral neuropathy experience:
- Numbness, tingling, or burning sensations in their hands or feet
- Weakness in affected muscles
- Loss of coordination or balance
Though anyone can develop it, people most at risk include those with diabetes, autoimmune disorders, nutritional deficiencies, infections (like Lyme disease), or exposure to certain toxins or medications. It is more common in older adults, especially those with long-standing diabetes or other chronic conditions.
Diabetes and Nerve Damage: Why Blood Sugar Matters
Diabetic neuropathy is the most common form. Prolonged high blood sugar damages the small blood vessels supplying nerves, causing nerve fiber swelling and degeneration. Even mild symptoms, if left unaddressed, can progress into severe numbness or pain.
You can reduce risk through consistent blood sugar control, healthy eating, and regular check-ups.
Autoimmune Conditions That Attack Nerves
Diseases like rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, and Guillain–Barré syndrome occur when the immune system mistakenly targets healthy nerves. The result can be:
- Demyelination (damage to the nerve’s insulating covering)
- Inflammation and swelling of nerve cells
Treatment usually requires corticosteroids or other immunosuppressants alongside targeted nerve-supportive therapies.
Nutritional Deficiencies That Contribute to Neuropathy
Certain vitamins, particularly B-complex vitamins like B1, B6, and B12, are essential for nerve health and myelin sheath maintenance. Deficiencies may be caused by:
- Poor dietary intake (e.g., restrictive diets or alcoholism)
- Poor absorption from conditions like celiac disease or Crohn’s
- Post-gastric bypass surgery issues
Checking levels and supplementing under medical supervision can reverse symptoms or prevent worsening.
Treating Nerve Injury from Trauma or Repetitive Strain
Physical trauma, such as car accidents, falls, or fractures, can physically damage nerves. Repeated strain, such as occupational activities involving wrist flexion, can also compress nerves (e.g., carpal tunnel syndrome).
South Bend Neuropathy offers targeted physical therapy approaches to:
- Enhance nerve gliding
- Strengthen surrounding muscles
- Reduce strain on injured nerves
Therapists design personalized protocols to restore nerve function gradually.
Chemotherapy, Toxins, and Drug-Induced Neuropathy
Certain chemotherapy drugs, heavy metals like lead or arsenic, and long-term use of medications such as statins can injure peripheral nerves. Known as toxic neuropathy, nerve damage may follow weeks or months of exposure.
Treatment involves:
- Identifying and stopping the offending agent
- Starting desensitization protocols and reinnervation strategies
- Providing pain management and rehabilitation support
Inherited Neuropathies: Genetics at Play
Some peripheral neuropathies, like Charcot–Marie–Tooth disease, are genetic. Though the underlying DNA mutation cannot be changed, patients do benefit significantly from:
- Physical and occupational therapy to slow progression
- Orthotic supports for foot drop or gait abnormalities
- Pain and symptom management strategies
Diagnosing Peripheral Neuropathy: What to Expect
If you suspect neuropathy, your clinician will typically start with:
- Medical history and physical exam to check sensory responses, reflexes, and muscle strength
- Nerve conduction studies or electromyography (EMG), which measure nerve signal speed and muscle response
Additional tests may include blood work for diabetes, vitamin deficiencies, thyroid health, or autoimmune markers. Sometimes imaging of the spine or affected limbs is used to find pinched nerves or structural issues.
Lifestyle Changes That Support Nerve Healing
While medical treatment is essential, lifestyle adjustments play a major role in symptom improvement:
1. Balanced Blood Sugar and Diet
- Eat whole foods, lean proteins, colorful vegetables, and healthy fats
- Avoid refined sugars and processed foods, which cause blood sugar spikes and inflammation
2. Gentle Physical Activity
- Walking, swimming, or cycling supports circulation
- Light stretching and nerve-gliding exercises maintain nerve health
3. Stress Management
- Relaxation techniques like yoga, meditation, or tai chi help reduce pain and may improve nerve function
4. Tobacco and Alcohol Avoidance
- Smoking restricts blood vessels, and alcohol is directly neurotoxic in high amounts
5. Nutritional Awareness
- Make sure you get enough B vitamins, omega-3 fats, magnesium, and vitamin D
Physical Therapy Techniques That Support Recovery
SB Neuropathy’s physical therapy protocols include:
- Nerve gliding exercises that encourage nerves to move freely within their sheaths
- Motor re-education to help retrain the nerves and muscles in controlling movement
- Balance and gait training, especially if neuropathy impairs walking or foot sensation
- Electrical stimulation and manual therapy to reduce pain and stimulate nerve regeneration
These programs are overseen by licensed Physical Therapists, not nutritionists.
Pain Management Without Opioids
For neuropathy pain, often described as burning, stabbing, or electric, opioids are not the first choice. Better alternatives include:
- Topical analgesics such as capsaicin cream or lidocaine patches
- Antiepileptic medications like gabapentin or pregabalin that calm nerve hyperexcitability
- Low-dose antidepressants such as duloxetine or amitriptyline, which alter pain signals
- Non-drug options include yoga, mindfulness, meditation, or acupuncture
South Bend Neuropathy’s physical therapists often integrate adjunctive techniques like cold and heat therapy and desensitization protocols.
Advanced Therapies: When Standard Treatments Are Not Enough
Some patients with complex or unrelenting symptoms may benefit from:
- IV immunoglobulin therapy (IVIG) is used for autoimmune neuropathies
- Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) for daily home-based pain relief
- Referral to neurologists for nerve biopsy, spinal injections, or neurosurgical options
Supporting Nerve Health with Vitamins and Supplements
Evidence supports that certain nutrients aid nerve recovery:
| Nutrient | Role in Nerve Health | Recommended Daily Intake |
| Vitamin B12 | Myelin maintenance | 2.4 mcg/day |
| B-complex vitamins | Nerve signaling and repair | As per RDA |
| Alpha-lipoic acid | Antioxidant reduces neuropathic pain | 600 mg/day |
| Acetyl-L-carnitine | Promotes nerve repair | 1,000–3,000 mg/day |
Always consult your physician before starting supplements, especially if you’re taking medication or are pregnant.
Foot Care: Essential for Sensory Loss
Foot numbness increases the risk of injury, infections, and ulcers. Follow these key steps:
- Inspect feet daily for wounds, blisters, or skin changes
- Wash gently, dry well (especially between toes), and moisturize
- Wear well-fitting shoes and avoid walking barefoot
- Keep toenails trimmed straight across
- Attend regular podiatry check-ups
Monitoring Progress and Knowing When to Refer
Seeing consistent improvement is crucial. You’ll typically expect:
- Reduction in numbness or tingling
- Improvement in muscle strength and coordination
- Enhanced balance and fewer falls
If symptoms worsen or if new issues like rapid weakness, double vision, or bowel/bladder changes appear, urgent referral to neurology is warranted.
Trusted Medical Resources for Peripheral Neuropathy
Here are credible sources for more extensive insights:
- Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC)
- Mayo Clinic – Peripheral Neuropathy
- National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS)
When Should You Call a Specialist?
Seek immediate medical attention if you experience:
- Sudden weakness in the arms or legs
- Severe, persistent pain not relieved by rest or over-the-counter medication
- Loss of bowel or bladder control
- Fever with swollen or inflamed nerves
These may be signs of serious conditions like Guillain–Barré syndrome, spinal compression, or infection.
Schedule an appointment today at 574-406-0823 or visit SouthBendNeuropathy.com to get personalized care plans for peripheral neuropathy.
