Neuropathy is defined as any disease affecting the peripheral nervous system. More than twenty million Americans suffer from neuropathy. It is most commonly associated with diabetes, since sixty percent of those with high sugar counts are diagnosed with peripheral neuropathy. The disease is also caused by malnutrition, trauma to the nerves, tumor growth, or infections.

The most common symptom associated with neuropathy is the loss of feeling in an area of the body. In diabetics, the first loss of sensation generally occurs in the feet. With other forms of neuropathy, symptoms can include an inability to maintain balance, painful tingling, and even loss of function in internal organs, such as the lungs or kidneys.

Peripheral neuropathy can be detected through several tests, including an electrocardiogram, spinal tap, or nerve or muscle biopsies. Once diagnosed, the success of treatment of neuropathy depends entirely on its root cause. For those with diabetes, effective regulation of blood sugar can reduce the symptoms of the peripheral neuropathy. Physical therapy is often helpful to those with neuropathy caused by trauma. It’s important to get a diagnosis of neuropathy early, since the efficacy of treatment significantly reduces with the passing of time.

Home treatment for neuropathy includes careful monthly inspection of the feet for loss of feeling, wearing comfortable, well-fitted shoes, and taking painkillers like aspirin or ibuprofen for the pain. By planning with a doctor, peripheral neuropathy can be managed and possibly even cured.