Did you know that the sensations of pins and needles in your hands and feet can signal a serious condition called peripheral neuropathy? Unlike the temporary numbness experienced due to a lack of circulation, neuropathy’s persistent tingling or burning can lead to severe consequences if not addressed promptly.
Neuropathy arises when your nerves sustain damage, resulting in sensations like tingling, burning, numbness, or pins and needles in your extremities. This condition occurs when nerves are compressed, injured, or deteriorate, leading them to transmit distress signals to the brain. While neuropathy can have various triggers, early recognition and treatment are key to averting potential complications.
Importance of Timely Diagnosis:
Obtaining a timely diagnosis and commencing treatment is crucial for your well-being. If your doctor can pinpoint and address the underlying cause of neuropathy before nerve damage becomes extensive, there may be a chance for nerve healing. Delaying diagnosis and treatment can lead to the following issues:
1. Permanent Damage:
Nerves, like other cells and tissues in your body, possess the ability to heal under favorable conditions. Adequate nourishment, including vitamins, minerals, oxygen, and blood circulation, is vital for nerve health and healing. A lack of these essentials can result in nerve damage, causing sensations of pins and needles or even complete loss of sensation. Seeking early treatment to rectify circulation, oxygen, or nutrient deficiencies can help alleviate and potentially improve your symptoms and overall nerve health.
2. Falls:
Peripheral neuropathy can complicate daily tasks, making it challenging to maintain balance or stay on your feet. Diminished sensations in your hands and feet can lead to unsteady walking, increasing the risk of falls and potential fractures. A fractured hip, for instance, can require extended healing periods, during which muscle mass and strength can deteriorate.
3. Infections:
Individuals with neuropathy may not readily notice injuries or comprehend their severity since nerves are responsible for signaling pain. Cuts or ulcers on the feet can go unnoticed, especially when feet are covered by socks or shoes. Additionally, limited flexibility with age can make it challenging to thoroughly inspect one’s feet. For individuals with conditions like diabetes, foot injuries can result in serious bacterial infections that a compromised immune system cannot combat. Left untreated, such infections can progress, leading to severe complications.
4. Amputation:
In cases where infections become severe or necrosis (tissue death) spreads extensively, amputation may be the only option to control the infection and save one’s life. Individuals with diabetes are particularly susceptible to multiple amputations, losing toes, or even entire feet. Regular self-care, immediate wound treatment, and vigilant monitoring can help prevent such dire outcomes.
5. Deformities:
Lack of sensation in the feet can lead to wearing ill-fitting shoes, exerting pressure on the wrong areas of the foot, or repetitive missteps. This can result in Charcot Neuropathic Osteoarthropathy (Charcot), a condition characterized by microfractures in bones due to unusual stress. Proper body alignment can withstand stress, but when bones are pushed in unnatural directions, they may deteriorate and cause deformities.
If you experience persistent sensations like tingling, burning, or numbness, it’s crucial to seek medical attention promptly. A medical evaluation can identify underlying causes and provide guidance on managing the condition to prevent complications. Early diagnosis and treatment can spare you from substantial medical expenses, discomfort, amputation, and even loss of life.
source: https://axiom-chiropractic.com/why-delaying-treatment-for-peripheral-neuropathy-is-dangerous/
Comments
Download this infographic.