Neuropathy is a condition that affects millions of people worldwide. It’s a nerve disorder that causes tingling, numbness, and pain in different parts of the body, and, unfortunately, it’s a chronic condition that has no definitive cure.
However, by taking a proactive approach to managing neuropathy, individuals can still enjoy healthy and fulfilling lives with minimal discomfort. One of the key ways to do this is by understanding the factors that aggravate neuropathy and taking steps to avoid or minimize them.
In this article, we’ll explore some of the medical conditions, lifestyle factors, medications, environmental factors, and psychological factors that can exacerbate neuropathy symptoms. Whether you’re an elderly person dealing with chronic pain or someone who has recently been diagnosed with neuropathy, our guide will provide you with the knowledge and tools you need to manage your symptoms effectively.
Medical Conditions
Medical conditions can play a significant role in aggravating neuropathy. Here are some of the medical conditions that can worsen your neuropathy:
Diabetes
Diabetes is a common cause of neuropathy. It can damage the nerves that supply sensation to your feet and hands, resulting in a tingling or burning sensation, and eventually, numbness. High blood sugar levels can also damage the blood vessels that supply oxygen and essential nutrients to the nerves.
Autoimmune Diseases
Certain autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, and Sjogren’s syndrome can attack the tissues that protect the nerves, resulting in neuropathy. The immune system of your body attacks your own tissues, causing inflammation and nerve damage.
Infections
Infections like shingles, Lyme disease, HIV, and hepatitis C can also result in neuropathy. The viruses or bacteria responsible for these infections can damage the nerves directly or indirectly. In some cases, the immune system’s response to an infection can cause nerve damage.
Trauma or Injury
Physical trauma or injury can also worsen neuropathy. Accidents, falls, or surgeries can damage the nerves or compress them, resulting in neuropathy. Repetitive motions or wearing tight-fitting shoes or clothes for a long duration can also cause nerve damage.
Now that we know how medical conditions can aggravate neuropathy, let’s take a look at the lifestyle factors that can worsen it.
Have you ever experienced neuropathy due to any of the medical conditions mentioned above? How did you manage it? Share your experience in the comments below.
Lifestyle factors
Apart from medical conditions, certain lifestyle factors can also worsen the symptoms of neuropathy. These are things we often take for granted but can have a significant impact. Let’s take a closer look at some of the lifestyle factors that can aggravate neuropathy:
- Smoking: Smoking is not only harmful to your overall health, but it can also damage your nerves. Nicotine constricts your blood vessels, reducing the flow of oxygen and nutrients to your nerves. This can cause your nerves to malfunction and ultimately worsen your neuropathy symptoms. If you are a smoker, it’s never too late to quit. Your nerve health will thank you for it!
- Alcohol consumption: Like smoking, alcohol consumption is also harmful to your health and can worsen neuropathy. Alcohol can damage your nerves directly, or indirectly by causing vitamin deficiencies. It’s essential to limit your alcohol consumption, particularly when you have been diagnosed with neuropathy.
- Poor diet: A healthy and balanced diet provides your body with the necessary nutrients it needs to function optimally. Vitamin B12, vitamin D, and omega-3 fatty acids are essential for nerve health. People that do not have access to these nutrients or do not include these in their diet often suffer from nerve damage. A poor diet can also lead to other health conditions, such as diabetes, that can further worsen your neuropathy.
- Lack of exercise: Maybe not exercising enough has been your lifestyle for years, but did you ever think it could be the cause of neuropathy? Exercise helps improve blood circulation and reduces inflammation in the body- both are essential to maintaining healthy nerves. If you lead a sedentary lifestyle, it’s important to incorporate at least 30 minutes of exercise daily.
Medications
While medications can help alleviate symptoms of several medical conditions, some of them can worsen neuropathy. Let’s take a look at some of the medications that can aggravate neuropathy.
Chemotherapy Drugs
Chemotherapy drugs are used to treat cancer, but unfortunately, they can also cause neuropathy. These drugs can damage the nerves that are responsible for transmitting signals from the brain and spinal cord to other parts of the body. Some common chemotherapy drugs that can cause neuropathy include paclitaxel, cisplatin, and vincristine. The severity of neuropathy varies depending on the dosage and duration of the treatment.
Anti-seizure Drugs
Anti-seizure drugs are commonly prescribed to treat epilepsy, but they can also aggravate neuropathy. These drugs work by regulating the electrical activity in the brain and can affect the nerves throughout the body. One specific anti-seizure drug that is notorious for causing neuropathy is gabapentin. While this medication can help alleviate some neuropathic symptoms, long-term use can lead to adverse effects, such as dizziness and sleepiness.
Blood Pressure Medications
Certain blood pressure medications can also aggravate neuropathy. These drugs work by dilating blood vessels, which can sometimes affect the nerves. Some examples of blood pressure medications that can cause neuropathy include ACE inhibitors and diuretics. If you are already suffering from peripheral neuropathy, these medications can worsen your symptoms, leading to numbness, tingling, and even pain.
It’s essential to discuss any potential side effects of medications with your healthcare provider. If you are experiencing symptoms of neuropathy or are concerned about side effects from any medication, speak up and let your healthcare provider know.
Now that we have covered medical conditions, lifestyle factors, and medications, let’s take a look at environmental factors that can worsen neuropathy. But before that, let me ask you, have you ever experienced any side effects from medications while treating any medical condition? Let me know in the comments below.
Read also: Best NHS Approved Blood Pressure Monitor
Environmental Factors
In addition to medical conditions, lifestyle factors, and medications, environmental factors can also play a role in aggravating neuropathy. Let’s take a look at some of the most common environmental factors that can cause or exacerbate neuropathy:
Exposure to toxins
Exposure to toxins that damage nerves can cause neuropathy. These toxins can come from a variety of sources, including industrial chemicals, heavy metals, and even some common household cleaning products. For example, exposure to lead can cause neuropathy, and studies have shown that people who work in occupations where they are exposed to lead – like battery recycling facilities or construction – are at higher risk. Other toxins that can cause neuropathy include arsenic, mercury, and toluene.
Prolonged pressure or compression
Compression of nerves can also cause neuropathy. Think of it like sitting in the same position for a long time and feeling that “pins and needles” sensation – that’s a mild form of nerve compression. Prolonged pressure or compression on a nerve can cause damage, leading to neuropathy. This can happen to anyone, but it’s more common in people who have a condition that affects their nerves, like diabetes.
Changes in temperature
Changes in temperature can also aggravate neuropathy. For example, some people with neuropathy may find that their symptoms get worse in cold weather or that their feet or hands become more sensitive to hot or cold temperatures. This is because the nerves that control temperature regulation can be damaged, leading to a loss of sensation or abnormal sensations like burning, tingling, or numbness.
Psychological Factors
Apart from physical factors, psychological factors can also aggravate neuropathy symptoms. Stress, anxiety, and depression are all responsible for worsening neuropathy symptoms.
Stress
Stress can cause a number of physical reactions in the body that can make neuropathy symptoms worse. When we are stressed, our body releases cortisol, a stress hormone. This hormone can cause inflammation throughout the body, which can damage nerves and make neuropathy symptoms worse.
For example, imagine an old phone cord that has been stretched and bent several times. If you continue to bend and twist it, the wires inside will start to fray and break. Similarly, if you are stressed out and your nerves are already slightly damaged, stress can cause additional damage to the nerves, making the symptoms worse.
Read also: 10 Tips to Give Your Feet a Stress Relieving Foot Massage
Anxiety and Depression
Anxiety and depression can also make neuropathy symptoms worse. Both of these conditions can cause changes in the levels of neurotransmitters in your brain, which can lead to an increase in pain signals.
For example, imagine a radio station where you have been listening to your favorite music for years. Suddenly, the station starts playing only static noise instead of music. Similarly, when the neurotransmitters in your brain are imbalanced due to anxiety or depression, the pain signals from your nerves become stronger and amplified, leading to increased neuropathy symptoms.
Another way anxiety and depression can worsen neuropathy is by making the person less active and more sedentary. Being less active can worsen neuropathy symptoms, as regular exercise can help to keep blood flowing to the nerves and keep them healthy.
Therefore, it is important to address any psychological factors that may be aggravating your neuropathy symptoms. Seeing a therapist or counselor, practicing relaxation techniques like meditation or yoga, and engaging in regular exercise can all help to reduce stress, anxiety, and depression and improve neuropathy symptoms.
Bottom Line
In conclusion, neuropathy can be a challenging condition to manage, but understanding the factors that can aggravate it can help in reducing its impact on your life. From medical conditions to medications, environmental factors, and lifestyle choices, it’s essential to avoid those that worsen your neuropathy symptoms. Additionally, psychological factors like stress and anxiety can also play a significant role in neuropathy aggravation. While it takes a bit of effort and patience, managing these triggering factors can lead to a better quality of life, reduced symptoms, and a renewed sense of hope.
Remember, while neuropathy can be frustrating and overwhelming, it doesn’t have to control your life. Simple changes like exercising regularly, following a balanced diet, taking prescribed medication, regular check-ups with your doctor, and adopting relaxation techniques like yoga and meditation can decrease its impact. By taking care of your physical, emotional, and psychological well-being, you can pave the way towards a more comfortable and fulfilling life.