What is a neuropathy
Neuropathy is a condition that occurs because of nerve damage. Neuropathy can also be termed as Peripheral neuropathy.
Peripheral neuropathy
The term peripheral neuropathy refers to a complication that occurs when the peripheral nervous system is damaged. Peripheral nerves are nerves that are located outside the central nervous system. Peripheral nerves are nerves that carry information or messages to the brain and the spinal cord from the other parts of the body.
Cause of neuropathy
When the peripheral nerves are damaged, communication to the brain will be interrupted. This means that normal sensation in the arms and legs will be affected. Neuropathy causes body muscles to be impaired. Neuropathy occurs as a result of several different types of diseases.
The nerves that can be affected by neuropathy include:
- Sensory nerves – These are nerves that assist in body sensations such as heat, touch and pain.
- Motor nerves – They control the movement of muscles in the body. Damaged motor nerves will result to paralysis in more serious situations.
- Autonomic nerves – They control body functions like blood pressure, digestion and heart rate.
Symptoms of neuropathy
- Burning sensation. It may start from the feet and legs of the affected person. This then spread to the hands and the arms.
- Weak body muscles. Motor nerves are important in strengthening the muscles. When the nerves are damaged, the muscles will remain weak.
- Co-ordination problems. Neuropathy breaks the communication between the brain and other body parts. This will result into the body parts not being able to co-ordinate well with the brain and thus poor body functionality.
- Paralyzed muscles. When motor nerves are destroyed or damaged completely, the muscles will be paralyzed.
- Pain while walking.
- Foot problems such as foot ulcers and other foot infections.
- In ability to feel pain in some parts of the body such as the foot and the hands.
- Weakness in the hands or feet.
Treatment of neuropathy
The treatment of neuropathy can best be done when its cause if treated. Diseases such as diabetes and high blood pressure if treated can help cure neuropathy. When treating neuropathy it is important for patients to reveal all medical history of their bodies to the doctors. This will enable doctors identify the root cause of the condition and be able to come up with ways of treating them. Minor symptoms can be relieved by the use of pain relievers. Some medication used to treat diabetes can be administered to treat neuropathy, as diabetes is one of the causes of neuropathy.
Use of magnesium
Magnesium is an essential mineral that is vital for various biological processes in the body. Some of its functions include:
- Its assists in the regulation of cholesterol levels in the body.
- It assists in the metabolism processes
- It helps in maintaining normal cardiovascular functions.
- It assists in maintaining smooth muscle movement and thus reducing muscle pain.
- In places where nerves have been damaged, magnesium assists in the generation nerves to strengthen the muscles.
References
- http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/peripheral-neuropathy
- http://www.medicalnewstoday.com
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