10 Neuropathy Symptoms Your Patients Shouldn’t Ignore

​Millions of people in the United States suffer from peripheral neuropathy. Yet, many may not recognize neuropathy symptoms until significant damage has already taken place. That’s why you must provide patients with education about this condition. The symptoms of neuropathy shouldn’t be ignored. They require intervention with a customized neuropathy program. 

​But what are these symptoms? Keep reading for ten red flags your patients should never ignore.

​Common Symptoms of Neuropathy

What are serious red flags when it comes to dealing with neuropathy symptoms? Patients report a wide variety of symptoms associated with this condition. They may include:

1. Tingling
2. Burning
3. Numbness
4. Coldness
5. Injuries
6. Sensitivity
7. Shooting pains
8. Balance issues
9. Abnormal gait
10. Insomnia

The symptoms listed above may come on gradually over time, or they may have an almost immediate onset. They may also come and go, providing a false sense of improvement before reappearing.  

​Red Flags Patients Shouldn’t Ignore

What else do your patients need to know? Patients may report a tingling or prickling sensation, which often occurs in their hands, feet, or legs. This may describe it as a “pins and needles” sensation. Or, they may experience something akin to a burning or itching feeling. This tends to affect more extensive areas of the skin and may feel as if they’re “on fire.”

Other commonly mentioned patient complaints include numbness in the extremities. Patients most often report this occurring in the fingers and toes. But it may also spread to the palms or the soles of the feet. Patients may feel coldness in these areas, too, even when their skin temperature proves normal. Patients may also notice unaccounted for injuries. These injuries often occur on the feet. But they may also appear on other areas impacted by neuropathy. Because of numbness or a lack of sensation, patients may not notice when or how these injuries happen. Left untreated, they may become infected or develop into something much worse. As a result, this condition requires immediate attention. 

Some patients experience extreme sensitivity in certain regions of the body. This manifests as paresthesia — sensitivity or pain caused by even the slightest touch. Shooting pain may also appear in an area impacted by neuropathy. These pains may come and go, ranging from mild to profound. Some patients experience balance issues associated with neuropathy. Why? Because the nervous system isn’t sending the right signals. This condition may also contribute to an abnormal or unsteady gait. And the symptoms listed above may lead to difficulty sleeping at night. 

​Neuropathy Symptoms Require Treatment

The human body experiences discomfort and pain when something isn’t right. These sensations represent the body’s way of communicating a problem. Unfortunately, when it comes to neuropathy symptoms, the same system the body uses for communication becomes damaged. This can lead to discomfort, strange sensations, or numbness. Left untreated, peripheral neuropathy will continue to progress with the potential of leading to other dangerous conditions. 

Fortunately, peripheral neuropathy can be managed with the proper treatment protocol. This includes encouraging patients to eat a diet rich in nitrates coupled with high-quality supplementation. You should also test patients regularly to ensure their nitric oxide levels remain optimal. 

What else can you do to help patients manage the discomfort and pain of neuropathy symptoms? Offer them photobiomodulation treatments. These infrared and red range light treatments contribute to cell regeneration and blood flow while reducing inflammation. They may also lead to a diminishing of the symptoms listed above. Ready to learn more about this effective medical device? Here’s what you need to know about offering this personalized, holistic neuropathy treatment strategy to your patients.