Neuropathy is a progressive condition that occurs due to damage to a single or a group of nerves outside of the central nervous system (the brain and the spinal cord). Neuropathy has various potential causes and risk factors, including diabetes, exposure to toxins, kidney failure, and vitamin deficiencies. It typically affects the extremities— the arms, hands, legs, and feet—causing pain, numbness, tingling, and muscle weakness in these areas.
Regardless of whether you’re experiencing its symptoms, it pays to learn about the course of neuropathy, especially if you think you have risk factors for it.
Let’s discuss the different five stages of neuropathy and what happens at each stage.
Stage One
In the earliest stage of neuropathy, you will feel sporadic pain and numbness, as though there’s something amiss with your hands and feet. At this point, it can be easy for you to brush aside your symptoms, thinking they’ll just go away on their own.
Stage Two
At this stage, pain and numbness in the hands and feet, which used to be sporadic, have now become persistent, making it difficult for you to carry out your daily tasks. This is usually the point where you might decide to see your doctor.
Medications and other pain management methods such, as lifestyle changes, may help you achieve relief.
Stage Three
This stage of neuropathy is marked by chronic and debilitating pain. Conservative methods may be unable to provide satisfactory relief. This signifies that you are inching closer to nerve damage.
If you are living with diabetes and suffering from impaired hearing, an open wound can fester, turn to an ulcer, and may lead to an amputation, if not given prompt treatment.
If stage two did not make you contemplate seeing a doctor, stage three likely will. Treatment may be able to reverse some of the damage, but not all.
Stage Four
By stage four, nerve damage is creeping in: you will notice your lower extremities start to get numb. Walking is also starting to become difficult as the condition is also affecting your balance.
If your peripheral neuropathy is due to diabetes, you are at an increased risk of developing potentially irreversible complications, such as eyesight problems and kidney damage.
Stage Five
Stage five is characterized by a total loss of sensation: your nerves are now extensively damaged that they are no longer able to do what they’re supposed to—send signals to your brain. At this juncture, your risk of complications is at its highest, and your balance and mobility are now fully compromised. You may need to use a wheelchair at times or all of the time.
Neuropathy Treatment at NIVA Health
If you are experiencing neuropathic pain, don’t wait till it’s too late to seek proper intervention. The earlier you seek treatment, the more likely you can prevent the condition from affecting your quality of life. In some cases, peripheral neuropathy can even be reversed.
At NIVA Health, we have helped countless patients manage or even conquer their peripheral neuropathy using the innovative Sanexas therapy—an FDA-cleared treatment modality that uses energy waves to stimulate healing and relieve pain.
To find out more about how you can benefit from Sanexas therapy or to schedule an appointment with one of our providers, call our clinic now at (866) 377-5872 or use our online form to request a consultation.
We have several locations at which to serve you: Chicago, Illinois (Downtown); Jacksonville, Florida; Jacksonville Beach, Florida; Manalapan, New Jersey; Melbourne, Florida; Naperville, Illinois; Wauwatosa, Wisconsin; Wixom, Michigan; and Woodstock, Georgia.
