We’ve all experienced it. Sit too long in one position, and your foot “falls asleep.” It tingles and feels prickly as it “wakes up.” However, for millions of Americans who have peripheral neuropathy, or progressive nerve damage, they experience numbness and pain on a regular basis. Here’s more to know about neuropathy and when you should consult a doctor about it.
The Symptoms and Causes of Peripheral Neuropathy
Peripheral neuropathy affects the health and function of neurons farthest from your brain and spinal cord nerves. Peripheral nerve cells help you feel things, such as textures and temperature changes. They also send signals from your brain to move your muscles so you can breathe, move your bowels, and accomplish ordinary movements such as walking, lifting and more.
If any of these nerves are damaged, unpleasant symptoms can result, such as:
- Numb toes
- Numb fingertips and fingers
- Hands and feet tingling
- Burning, stabbing sensations
- Pinpricks
- Bowel and bladder dysfunction
- Balance and coordination problems
These symptoms can seriously impact your quality of life, so they should not be ignored. To understand the cause of your symptoms, you need a physical examination by your primary care physician to reveal underlying health reasons for peripheral neuropathy.
Reasons for peripheral neuropathy can include:
- Trauma to the spinal cord or other area of the body
- Poorly managed diabetes
- Kidney and thyroid disease, especially chronic renal failure
- Neurological conditions, such as multiple sclerosis and Parkinson’s disease
- Alcohol abuse
- Certain prescription drugs, including chemotherapy medication
- Nerve impingement disorders, such as carpal tunnel syndrome in the wrist
- Nutritional deficits, especially a lack of vitamins B and E
- Celiac disease
- Infections, such as Lyme disease
- Environmental toxins, such as mercury and arsenic
Preventing Numbness in Fingers and Toes
While some causes of numbness in fingers and toes may be out of your control, there are steps you can take to prevent or manage symptoms. Here are some tips:
Maintain Healthy Blood Sugar Levels
If you have diabetes, it’s important to keep your blood sugar levels under control. High blood sugar levels can damage nerves over time, leading to peripheral neuropathy.
Practice Good Posture
Poor posture can put pressure on your nerves, leading to tingling and numbness in your extremities. Make sure to sit up straight and avoid crossing your legs for long periods of time.
Exercise Regularly
Regular exercise can improve circulation and help prevent nerve damage. Make sure to talk to your doctor before starting any new exercise regimen.
Wear Comfortable Shoes
Wearing shoes that fit well and provide adequate support can help prevent nerve damage in your feet.
Take Breaks
If you work at a desk or engage in repetitive motions, make sure to take frequent breaks. Stretching and moving around can help prevent nerve compression and damage.
Seeing a Doctor About Your Numbness and Tingling
If your peripheral nerve pain does not resolve and disrupts your daily life, it’s time for medical evaluation by primary care physician or other medical specialists, such as endocrinologists or orthopedic physicians, as required. However, even when the underlying reasons for neuropathy are diagnosed and treated, numbness, tingling and other symptoms can remain. In fact, about 20 million Americans struggle with unresolved nerve pain and related symptoms.
That’s where safe, evidence-based, natural solutions such as those offered at NIVA Health come in. NIVA Health offers an effective and individualized neuropathy program whichprimarily uses FDA-cleared therapeutic energy waves to regenerate nerve cell function. Patients report excellent results and virtually eliminate or reduce their use of medications.
During your appointment for numbness in your fingers and toes, your doctor will likely start by asking you a series of questions about when you first noticed the numbness, how often it occurs, and if you have experienced any other symptoms such as pain or tingling sensations. They may also ask about your medical history and any underlying conditions that may contribute to your symptoms. The doctor will then perform a physical examination, checking for any signs of nerve damage or circulation issues. Depending on their findings, they will assess whether you are a candidate for the NIVA Health Neuropathy program. Most patients with numb fingers and toes due to peripheral neuropathy are great candidates for our program and experience substantial reduction in their symptoms.
Real Relief for Numb Fingers and Toes
At NIVA Health, our healthcare providers deliver the most innovative, safe, and natural pain management strategies available. Our care is personalized to each patient and treatsthe cause of your numb fingers and toes at the source without drugs or surgery.
Call us today at (866) 377-5872 for a friendly and informative consultation at one of our nine locations or request your visit here. We know we can work together with you to relieve your nerve-related symptoms and get you back to your life pain-free!
