What is Peripheral Neuropathy?
Peripheral neuropathy is a condition caused by damage to the peripheral nervous system. The peripheral nervous system sends information from various areas of our body to the spinal cord and brain. If there is nerve damage, this information transmission is disrupted and causes confusion in the brain. Symptoms include pain, tingling, numbness, muscle weakness, sensory disturbance, and changes in blood pressure. Neuropathy can affect 1 nerve (mononeuropathy), several nerves in a localized area (multifocal neuropathy), or many peripheral nerves throughout the body (polyneuropathy).
Risk factors for developing neuropathy include diabetes, excessive alcohol consumption, vitamin deficiencies, especially vitamin B, infections such as Lyme disease, Epstein-Barr virus, hepatitis B, hepatitis C, HIV, autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, kidney, liver, and thyroid diseases, exposure to toxins, repetitive movements, and a family history of the same complaint.
How to Prevent Peripheral Neuropathy?
Maintaining a healthy lifestyle, such as consuming fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and protein-containing foods to maintain nerve health. To prevent vitamin B-12 deficiency, we can consume red meat, fish, eggs, and cereals. If you are a vegetarian, it is recommended to take vitamin B-12 supplements. Regular exercise for at least 30 minutes to 1 hour, minimum 3 times a week, and avoiding risk factors that can cause nerve damage, including movements or positions that pressed on nerves, exposure to toxins, smoking, and excessive alcohol consumption. If you experience unusual tingling, weakness, or pain in your hands or feet, it is best to consult a doctor as early diagnosis and management can control symptoms better and prevent further nerve damage.