|
Alcoholic Neuropathy
Peripheral Neuropathy is a nerve condition
that affects the arms, hands, legs, and feet. The most common form of
peripheral neuropathy is due to diabetes. Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy People with diabetes
have an abnormal elevation of their blood sugar, and lack adequate
insulin to metabolize the blood sugar. As a consequence, the blood
glucose (sugar) abnormally enters certain nerve tissue and damages the
nerve. This can occur in any type of diabetes. It does not matter if
the patient is on insulin, is taking pills, or is diet controlled. The
nerve damage that occurs is considered to be permanent. As
the nerve damage occurs, the protective sensations are affected. These
include a person's ability to determine the difference between sharp
and dull, hot and cold, pressure differences, and vibration. These
senses become dulled and/or altered. The process begins as a burning
sensation in the toes and progresses up the foot in a "stocking
distribution". As the condition progresses, the feet become more and
more numb. Some people will feel as though a pair of socks on their
feet, when in fact they do not. Other patients will describe the
feeling of walking on cotton, or a water-filled cushion. Some patients
complain of their feet burn at night, making it difficult to sleep. The
feet may also feel like they are cold, however, to the touch, they have
normal skin temperature. Diabetic peripheral neuropathy is not
reversible. The progression of the condition can be slowed or halted by
maintaining normal blood glucose levels. As the patient develops diabetic neuropathy, they have a greater risk of developing skin ulcerations and infections. Areas of corns and calluses
on the feet represent areas of excessive friction or pressure. These
areas, if not properly cared for by a foot specialist, will often break
down and cause ulcerations. Ulcerations and infection can form under
the callused area. These callused areas may not be painful. As a
result, they can progress to ulceration without being noticed. Ingrown toenails
can progress to severe infections in people with neuropathy. Simple
things like trimming the toenails present a risk to these patients
because they may accidentally cut the skin and not feel it. People with
neuropathy must be very cautious and inspect their feet daily. They
should not soak their feet in hot water or use heating pads to warm
their feet. This can result in accidental burns to the skin. Barefoot
walking should be avoided because of the risk of stepping on something
sharp and not being aware of it. The inside of the shoes should be
inspected before putting the shoes on to insure that no foreign object
is inside the shoe ( see Do's and Don'ts-Diabetic Foot Care Tips). Alcoholic Peripheral Neuropathy Alcoholic
neuropathy is caused by the prolonged use of alcoholic beverages.
Ethanol, the alcoholic component of these beverages, is toxic to nerve
tissue. Over time, the nerves in the feet and hands can become damaged
resulting in the same loss of sensation as that seen in diabetic
neuropathy. The damage to these nerves is permanent. A person with this
condition is at the same risk, and should take the same precautions as
people with diabetic peripheral neuropathy. Peripheral neuropathy can
also be caused by exposure to toxins such as pesticides and heavy
metals. Treatment For Peripheral Neuropathy Treatment
for peripheral neuropathy is, for the most part, directed at the
symptoms of the condition. Vitamin B12 injections may be helpful if the
patient has a vitamin B deficiency. There are certain oral medications
that may ease the burning pain that can be prescribed by your doctor.
Topical ointments should only be used with the advice of your doctor.
Magnetic therapy and Galvanic Stimulation are alternative forms of
treatment but results are varied and difficult to quantify.
Back to Top
|
