Peripheral Neuropathy Causes in Cheyenne WY: What You Need to Know

You may have heard of peripheral neuropathy in Cheyenne WY before, or you may be experiencing some of its symptoms yourself. But what exactly is peripheral neuropathy, and how does it affect your nerves?

Peripheral neuropathy is a term that describes damage or dysfunction of the peripheral nerves. These are the nerves that connect your brain and spinal cord to the rest of your body, such as your arms, legs, hands, feet, and organs. They’re responsible for transmitting signals of sensation, movement, and function.

When these nerves are damaged, they can cause various problems, such as numbness, tingling, pain, weakness, and loss of coordination. These symptoms can interfere with your daily activities, your quality of life, and your overall health.

Peripheral neuropathy is not a rare condition. In fact, it affects about 20 million people in the United States alone, according to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke.

It can affect anyone, regardless of age, gender, or ethnicity. However, some people are more at risk than others, such as those who have diabetes, infections, injuries, toxins, or genetic disorders.

The causes of peripheral neuropathy are many and varied, and sometimes they are unknown. That’s why it’s essential to understand the possible causes of peripheral neuropathy and how to prevent or treat them.

That’s the main purpose of this post: to inform you about the causes of peripheral neuropathy and how to prevent or treat them. I will share with you the most common and less common causes of peripheral neuropathy, how they can damage your nerves, and what you can do to protect and heal them.

Common Causes of Peripheral Neuropathy in Cheyenne WY

There are many possible causes of peripheral neuropathy, but some of them are more frequent and well-known than others. The most common causes of peripheral neuropathy are:

Diabetes. Diabetes is the leading cause of peripheral neuropathy in the United States. High blood sugar levels can damage the small blood vessels that supply oxygen and nutrients to the nerves, especially in the legs and feet, causing diabetic neuropathy, which affects up to 50% of people with diabetes.

Diabetic neuropathy can cause numbness, tingling, pain, and weakness in the feet and legs and sometimes in the hands and arms. It can also increase the risk of infections, ulcers, and amputations.

Infections. Some viral and bacterial infections can attack the nerves directly or cause inflammation that damages the nerve tissue. Some examples of infections that can cause peripheral neuropathy are shingles, HIV, Lyme disease, leprosy, and diphtheria.

Infections can cause various symptoms, depending on which nerves are affected, such as pain, rash, fever, weakness, and loss of sensation.

Injuries. Physical trauma, such as accidents, falls, or surgery, can injure or compress the nerves by creating scar tissue or bone spurs, causing nerve damage and inflammation and interfering with the nerve signals.

Injuries can cause sudden or gradual onset of symptoms, such as pain, numbness, tingling, and weakness in the affected area.

Toxins. Exposure to certain chemicals or substances can harm the nerves by disrupting their function or structure. Some examples of toxins that can cause peripheral neuropathy are alcohol, heavy metals, solvents, insecticides, and some medications, such as chemotherapy and antibiotics.

Toxins can cause different symptoms, depending on the type and amount of exposure, such as pain, burning, numbness, tingling, and weakness in the hands and feet.

Genetic disorders. Some inherited conditions can affect the development or function of the peripheral nerves, causing nerve damage and dysfunction. Some examples of genetic disorders that can cause peripheral neuropathy are Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease, Friedreich’s ataxia, and Fabry disease.

Genetic disorders can cause various symptoms, depending on the type and severity of the condition, such as muscle wasting, deformities, balance problems, and sensory loss.

These are the most common causes of peripheral neuropathy, but they are not the only ones. Many other factors can damage your peripheral nerves and cause nerve problems, such as autoimmune diseases, tumors, vitamin deficiencies, and hormonal imbalances. Sometimes, the cause of peripheral neuropathy is unknown, which is called idiopathic neuropathy.

How do these causes damage the nerves and lead to peripheral neuropathy? Well, the answer is not simple because the peripheral nerves are complex and delicate structures that can be affected in different ways. However, there are some common mechanisms that can explain how nerve damage occurs, such as:

Axonal degeneration. This is when the nerve fibers, or axons, that carry the electrical impulses from the nerve cell body to the target tissue, such as the muscle or the skin, are damaged or destroyed. This can happen due to a lack of oxygen, nutrients, or growth factors or due to toxic substances, infections, or metabolic problems.

Axonal degeneration can cause loss of nerve function and sensation and sometimes nerve regeneration, which can cause abnormal sensations, such as tingling or pain.

Demyelination. This is when the protective layer of fat, or myelin, that surrounds and insulates the nerve fibers is damaged or stripped away. This can happen due to inflammation, immune system attacks, or genetic defects.

Demyelination can cause slowing or blocking of nerve impulses, which can affect the speed and strength of muscle contractions and sensations.

Wallerian degeneration. This is when the nerve fibers that are cut or severed by an injury undergo a process of self-destruction and removal. This can happen due to trauma, compression, or surgery.

Wallerian degeneration can cause loss of nerve function and sensation and sometimes nerve regeneration, which can cause abnormal sensations, such as tingling or pain.

These are some of the ways that the peripheral nerves can be damaged and lead to peripheral neuropathy. However, the exact mechanism and outcome of nerve damage can vary depending on the type, location, and extent of the injury, as well as the individual’s response and recovery.

Less Common Causes of Peripheral Neuropathy

In the previous section, we talked about the most common causes of peripheral neuropathy, such as diabetes, infections, injuries, toxins, and genetic disorders.

However, these are not the only factors that can affect your peripheral nerves and cause nerve problems. Some other causes are less common but still important to know and understand. Some of the less common causes of peripheral neuropathy are:

Autoimmune diseases. These are conditions where the immune system mistakenly attacks the body’s own tissues, including the nerves. Some examples of autoimmune diseases that can cause peripheral neuropathy are rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, Sjögren’s syndrome, and Guillain-Barré syndrome.

Autoimmune diseases can cause inflammation, swelling, and damage to the nerve fibers, which can interfere with the nerve signals. They can cause various symptoms, depending on which nerves are affected, such as pain, weakness, numbness, tingling, and paralysis.

Tumors. These are abnormal growths of cells that can be benign (noncancerous) or malignant (cancerous). Some tumors can grow on or near the nerves or press on the nerves, causing compression or invasion of the nerve tissue. Some tumors can also secrete substances that can harm the nerves, such as hormones or antibodies.

Examples of tumors that can cause peripheral neuropathy are neurofibromas, schwannomas, meningiomas, and cancers, such as lymphoma and multiple myeloma. Tumors can cause different symptoms, depending on the type, location, and size of the tumor, such as pain, numbness, tingling, weakness, and loss of function in the affected area.

Vitamin deficiencies. These are conditions where the body does not have enough of certain vitamins that are essential for nerve health and function. Some examples of vitamins that can cause peripheral neuropathy if deficient are vitamin B12, vitamin B6, vitamin B1, and vitamin E.

Vitamin deficiencies can cause damage to the nerve fibers or impair the production of substances needed for nerve function, such as myelin and neurotransmitters. They can cause various symptoms, depending on which vitamin is deficient, such as pain, burning, numbness, tingling, weakness, and balance problems.

Alcohol abuse. This is a condition where the person drinks too much alcohol on a regular basis, which can have harmful effects on the body, including the nerves. Alcohol can damage the nerves by directly affecting their structure and function or causing nutritional deficiencies, such as vitamin B1, that are important for nerve health.

Alcohol abuse can cause alcoholic neuropathy, which affects up to 50% of people with chronic alcoholism. Alcoholic neuropathy can cause symptoms such as pain, burning, numbness, tingling, weakness, and muscle cramps in the hands and feet.

Prevention and Treatment of Peripheral Neuropathy

These are the strategies that can help you avoid or reduce nerve damage and improve your symptoms and quality of life.

Prevention of Peripheral Neuropathy

The best way to prevent peripheral neuropathy is to avoid or manage the risk factors that can cause it. This means identifying and treating the underlying conditions that can damage your nerves, such as diabetes, infections, injuries, toxins, and genetic disorders.

Some general tips and recommendations for preventing peripheral neuropathy are:

Maintain a healthy lifestyle. This includes eating a balanced and nutritious diet, exercising regularly, getting enough sleep, and managing stress. A healthy lifestyle can help you maintain a healthy weight, lower your blood pressure and cholesterol levels, and boost your immune system and circulation. All of these factors can benefit your nerve health and function.
Control your blood sugar levels. If you have diabetes or prediabetes, you should monitor your blood sugar levels closely and keep them within the target range. High blood sugar levels can damage the small blood vessels that supply oxygen and nutrients to the nerves, especially in the legs and feet. You should follow your healthcare professional’s guidance on using medications, diet, and exercise to control your blood sugar levels.
Avoid exposure to toxins. You should limit or avoid the intake of alcohol, tobacco, and other substances that can harm your nerves, such as heavy metals, solvents, insecticides, and some medications. You should also protect yourself from environmental toxins, such as pollution, radiation, and chemicals, by wearing appropriate protective gear and following safety guidelines. You should inform your neuropathy specialist about any exposure to toxins and seek medical attention if you experience any nerve damage symptoms.
Prevent injuries. You should take precautions to prevent injuries that can injure or compress your nerves, such as accidents, falls, or surgery. You should wear proper footwear, clothing, and equipment when engaging in physical activities and avoid repetitive motions or prolonged pressure on your nerves.

You should also check your feet and hands regularly for any signs of injury, infection, or ulceration, especially if you have diabetes or reduced sensation. You should seek medical attention promptly if you notice any problems.

Treatment of Peripheral Neuropathy

If you already have peripheral neuropathy, you should seek treatment as soon as possible to prevent further nerve damage and improve your symptoms. The treatment of peripheral neuropathy depends on the cause, type, and severity of your condition, as well as your personal preferences and goals.

Some of the common methods of treating peripheral neuropathy are:

Medications. These are drugs that can help relieve the neuropathy pain and discomfort. Some of the medications used for peripheral neuropathy are pain relievers, anti-seizure drugs, antidepressants, and topical creams or patches. These medications can have different mechanisms of action, such as blocking the pain signals, enhancing the mood, or numbing the affected area. Medications’ pros and cons are:
- Pros: They can provide fast and effective relief for mild to moderate pain. They can also improve other symptoms, such as depression, anxiety, or insomnia, that can affect your quality of life.
- Cons: They can have side effects, such as drowsiness, dizziness, nausea, or constipation. They can also interact with other drugs or substances, such as alcohol, that can increase the risk of complications. They can also cause dependence or addiction, especially if used for a long time or in high doses.
Therapies. These non-drug methods can help improve nerve function and reduce the symptoms. Some therapies used for peripheral neuropathy are physical therapy, occupational therapy, chiropractic, acupuncture, and electrotherapy. These therapies can have different mechanisms of action, such as strengthening and stretching the muscles, improving the blood flow and oxygen delivery, stimulating the nerve endings, or blocking the pain signals. Some of the pros and cons of therapies are:
- Pros: They can help prevent and reverse nerve damage and improve the quality of life. They can also enhance the effects of medications or reduce the need for them. They can also have other benefits, such as improving mood, mobility, and balance.
- Cons: They require time, effort, and commitment to achieve the best results. They can also be costly or not covered by insurance. If not done correctly or by qualified professionals, they can also have risks, such as infection, bleeding, or injury.
Supplements. These are natural or synthetic substances that can help provide the nutrients or substances that are essential for nerve health and function. Some supplements for peripheral neuropathy are vitamins, minerals, amino acids, antioxidants, and herbal extracts. These supplements can have different mechanisms of action, such as repairing the nerve fibers, enhancing the nerve signals, or protecting the nerves from damage. Some pros and cons of supplements are:
- Pros: They can help prevent or treat the vitamin deficiencies that can cause peripheral neuropathy. They can also support nerve function and reduce the symptoms. They can also have other benefits, such as boosting the immune system and overall health.
- Cons: They can have side effects, such as allergic reactions, stomach upset, or headache. They can also interact with other drugs or substances, such as medications, that can increase the risk of complications. They can also have variable quality, purity, and potency, depending on the source and manufacturer.
Alternative remedies. These methods are not part of conventional medicine but are based on traditional, cultural, or personal beliefs or practices. Some of the alternative remedies used for peripheral neuropathy are homeopathy, aromatherapy, biofeedback, and meditation. These remedies can have different mechanisms of action, such as stimulating the body’s natural healing abilities, enhancing mood and relaxation, or changing the perception of pain. Some pros and cons of alternative remedies are:
- Pros: They can help improve the symptoms and quality of life. They can also complement the effects of other treatments or reduce the need for them. They can also have other benefits, such as improving mental and emotional well-being.
- Cons: They can have limited or no scientific evidence to support their effectiveness or safety. They can also have side effects, such as allergic reactions, infection, or injury, if not done properly or by qualified professionals. They can also be costly or not covered by insurance.

These are some methods of treating peripheral neuropathy, but they are not the only ones. Many other options can help you cope with your condition, such as support groups, counseling, education, and lifestyle changes. You should explore the different options and find the ones that work best for you.

I hope you’ve learned a lot about peripheral neuropathy and its causes. Let’s quickly recap what we’ve covered:

Peripheral neuropathy is a condition that affects the peripheral nerves, which are the nerves that connect your brain and spinal cord to the rest of your body.
Peripheral neuropathy can cause various symptoms, such as numbness, tingling, pain, and weakness in the hands and feet and sometimes in other parts of the body.
Many factors, such as diabetes, infections, injuries, toxins, genetic disorders, autoimmune diseases, tumors, vitamin deficiencies, and alcohol abuse, can cause peripheral neuropathy.
Peripheral neuropathy can be prevented by avoiding or managing the risk factors that can damage your nerves, such as maintaining a healthy lifestyle, controlling blood sugar levels, and avoiding exposure to toxins.
Peripheral neuropathy can be treated with various methods, such as medications, therapies, supplements, and alternative remedies, depending on the type, cause, and severity of the nerve damage.

Now, if you are suffering from peripheral neuropathy or if you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact us at Althoff Wellness Clinic PC - Cheyenne. We specialize in peripheral neuropathy and can provide guidance and holistic treatment options that are non-invasive and non-surgical to get your life back. We look forward to hearing from you and helping you however we can!