Q: I sure wish that you would answer my letter. I have neuropathy in both of my legs. What can do to stop the pain? Both legs pain me all the time.
A: Peripheral neuropathy is the result of nerve damage from infection, exposure to toxins, a traumatic injury, and metabolic issues such as diabetes. One nerve or many nerves may be affected. Depending on the cause, many symptoms can improve or lessen by addressing the underlying condition. Those nerves that may be affected include motor nerves that control muscle movement, sensory nerves that receive messages regarding pain, touch, or temperature and autonomic nerves that are in charge of regulating blood pressure, digestion, bladder function and heart rate.
As a general rule, peripheral neuropathy begins in the long nerves that reach the toes. Symptoms may include sharp burning pain, a lack of coordination, muscle weakness, and lack of sensitivity to touch. If the autonomic nerves are affected, heat intolerance and blood pressure changes that cause dizziness and lightheadedness may be present. If the motor nerves are affected, muscle weakness or even paralysis may be present.
Bacterial infections and the medications prescribed may be to blame for peripheral neuropathy. Unfortunately, the conditions for which medication is prescribed likely outweighs the (hopefully) temporary diagnosis of peripheral neuropathy. Ditto autoimmune diseases. Rheumatoid arthritis, Guillain-Barre syndrome, lupus, and others could be the culprit. Vitamin deficiencies such as B, E and niacin are easy enough to identify and may be the cause of your neuropathy. Hypothyroidism, liver/kidney disease and a number of connective tissue disorders may be to blame. And, so it continues.
Peripheral neuropathy has many potential causes and for that specific reason, it may be difficult to diagnose and may be a diagnosis of exclusion. You don’t indicate your age or any other possible medical conditions you may have but my guess is it’s time to bite the bullet, so to speak. Visit your primary care physician for a complete examination, medical history, laboratory testing, perhaps even imaging studies and a visit to a neurologist for an examination so he or she can hopefully detect the underlying cause. Testing such as a lumbar puncture, nerve biopsy or even a skin biopsy may be ordered. Looking on the bright side, you may have been suffering all too long because of a vitamin deficiency, a condition that can be very simply remedied by a good one-a-day supplement. Don’t waste any more precious time in pain. Make that appointment soon.
Other readers who would like related information can order Dr. Gott’s Health Report “Managing Chronic Pain” by sending a self-addressed, stamped number 10 envelope and a $2 US check or money order payable to Peter H. Gott, MD Health Report, PO Box 433, Lakeville, CT 06039. Be sure to mention the title or print an order form from www.AskDrGottMD.com.
