Often got numbness on hands and feet?

06 Mar Often got numbness on hands and feet?

Do you have PERIPHERAL NEUROPATHY?

Peripheral neuropathy is a common disorder when there is damage at peripheral nerves which usually cause unusual numbness, tingling pain, and weakness at hands and feet areas.

Common Causes of Peripheral Neuropathy:

1. Poorly Controlled Diabetes Mellitus

Diabetic neuropathy is the most common form of peripheral neuropathy. The nerves damage after prolonged exposure to high blood glucose.

2. Nutritional Deficiency

Excessive consumption of alcohol and unbalanced diet can cause malnutrition, especially if someone lack of Vitamin B12 can damage myelin sheath that surrounds and protects nerves.

3. Medication-Induced

Some medications (Eg: anticancer and antibiotic)may cause damage to the nerve and affect movement and sensation of the body. Most of the time, the symptoms will be diminished by reduce dose/ change/ stop the medication.

4. Pressure on nerve

Excessive pressure on nerve due to trauma (accident/fall) and wrong posture can cause damage the nerves. Carpal tunnel syndrome is common peripheral neuropathy due to increased pressure on the tendons and median nerves at the base of hand.

5. Auntoimmune Disease and Infections

Nerve tissues can damage when having autoimmune disease (attacked by own body antibody) and infections (attacked by bacteria/ virus).

How to prevent peripheral neuropathy:

1. Manage medical conditions such as diabetes
2. Healthy lifestyle

1.  Maintain a balanced diet and pick food rich with Vitamin B12 such as fortified cereals.
2. Exercise regularly (at least 30 minutes daily).
3. Avoid alcohol and smoking

References:

• The Foundation Peripharal Neuropathy

https://www.foundationforpn.org/what-is-peripheral-neuropathy/causes/carpal-tunnel-syndrome/

• Mayoclinic

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/peripheral-neuropathy/symptoms-causes/syc-20352061

• EmedicineHealth

https://www.emedicinehealth.com/neuropathy/article_em.htm