Are you noticing signs and symptoms that might be indicative of neuropathy? Neuropathy, also referred to as peripheral neuropathy, affects the sensory and motor nerves throughout the body. At our chiropractic clinic in Fort Collins, Colorado, it's quite common for patients to initially experience these symptoms in their extremities, such as the hands, arms, legs, and feet. This condition is known as Sensorimotor Polyneuropathy.

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF NEUROPATHY IN FORT COLLINS CO

Tingling Sensations: Many individuals report experiencing tingling sensations in their extremities, often described as a pin-and-needles or prickling feeling.
Burning Pain: Burning pain usually begins in the lower limbs and gradually extends into the arms and hands as the condition progresses.
Sharp, Stabbing Pains: Patients may also suffer from sharp, stabbing pains, typically worse in the evening. Initially, these sensations manifest in the feet and legs, but as the condition advances, the "electric-like" pain spreads to the hands and arms.
Muscle Weakness and Coordination Issues: Muscle weakness and coordination problems can develop, sometimes leading to limb paralysis.
Foot Ulcers and Skin Infections: Patients with peripheral neuropathy have an increased risk of developing foot ulcers and skin infections due to nerve damage.
Dysesthesia: Neuropathy can evolve into dysesthesia, affecting a patient's touch sensation. This often results in tingling and burning sensations. Skin sensitivity may become so heightened that even the pressure from sheets or towels can cause discomfort.

AUTONOMIC NEUROPATHY

Autonomic neuropathy impacts the automatic nerves responsible for vital bodily functions like breathing, perspiration, and heart rate regulation. When affected, patients may experience:

Low Blood Pressure: Leading to dizziness upon standing.
Rapid Heartbeat: An accelerated heart rate.
Nausea and Vomiting: Digestive discomfort.
Difficulty Swallowing: Impaired swallowing.
Balance and Coordination Problems: Issues with balance.
Digestive Issues: Including diarrhea.
Bladder and Bowel Problems: Difficulty emptying the bladder and bowel incontinence.

MONONEUROPATHY

Mononeuropathy manifests as issues in a single nerve, resulting in specific symptoms such as:

Eye Problems: Including focus issues, double vision, and eye pain.
Localized Pains: Pains in specific areas like the shin, chest, foot, or even conditions like Bell's Palsy (facial nerve disorder) and Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (causing tingling, burning, and pain in the joints).

If you are experiencing abnormal pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness in your arms, legs, wrists, ankles, hands, or feet, it is crucial to consult a doctor promptly. Early diagnosis can help manage the condition and potentially prevent further damage. Additionally, seek medical attention if you encounter sleep disturbances, symptoms of depression, or if a small cut on an extremity appears slow to heal. The team at Advanced Healthcare Chiropractic in Fort Collins, CO, is dedicated to providing assistance and support in addressing these concerns.