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Based on the latest studies, an estimated 20 million people in the U.S. currently suffer from some form of neuropathy. Experts believe millions more could be living with this condition but have yet to be diagnosed. After all, even modern tests for the condition don’t apply to all forms of it, and not everyone who has symptoms of nerve damage is tested for it. That leaves countless people wondering if they may have developed nerve damage due to diabetes, injuries, and other issues and even more asking can neuropathy be reversed.
Looking at the Types of Neuropathy
Several types of neuropathy have been discovered. Focal neuropathy, also called mononeuropathy, affects a single nerve. This condition often affects nerves in the head, but it can also influence nerves in the legs and other parts of the body. Proximal neuropathy, on the other hand, impacts nerves in the hips, legs, and glutes. Autonomic neuropathy affects organs, such as the heart and stomach. As such, it can interfere with normal processes, like breathing and digestion.
Peripheral neuropathy is one of the more widespread types of nerve damage. It impacts the nerves in the limbs and extremities. Since the peripheral nervous system encompasses so many nerves in the body, it’s more prone to being affected by conditions that can bring about nerve damage. It’s also responsible for causing a great deal of additional damage due to the nature of the condition.
Covering the Symptoms of Peripheral Neuropathy
While the symptoms people go through due to nerve damage depend on the type of neuropathy they’re experiencing, peripheral neuropathy, in particular, can cause a range of problems. Some patients have sharp, stabbing, or throbbing pains in the area affected by the condition. Others feel extreme pain when they shouldn’t, such as when they put on socks or gloves, depending on the area in which the nerve damage has occurred.
In many cases, people experience tingling, burning, or numbness in the areas that are affected by nerve damage. Certain patients suffer from muscle weakness, loss of motor function, and lack of coordination. When the autonomic nerves are impacted by neuropathy, patients can suffer from drops in blood pressure, digestive problems, sweating or a lack of sweat, and intolerance to heat and cold.
Is Neuropathy Reversible?
Now, it’s time to discuss whether nerve damage can be reversed. As is the case with many components of the human body, the nerves have a limited ability to regenerate or heal themselves. Patients’ best chances of reversing neuropathy come with early diagnosis of the condition and beginning a treatment plan as quickly as possible. In some situations, it’s a fairly simple matter of removing the factor that’s causing the condition, such as addressing a vitamin deficiency or ceasing the consumption of alcohol. Other times, the condition can’t be reversed, but its symptoms can be managed and further nerve damage prevented.
Dealing with Peripheral Neuropathy
Prevention tends to be the best medicine when it comes to different types of neuropathy. That means managing the conditions that cause neuropathy to ensure they don’t have a chance to lead to nerve damage. Maintaining a healthy diet and exercise routine can go a long way toward preventing the condition. For many patients, though, neuropathy can’t be avoided, and treatment is the key to reversing it or preventing further damage from occurring.
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