Our bodies change in many ways as we get older, and some of these changes can have a big effect on our health as a whole. Nerve damage from neuropathy, a problem that often affects older people, can cause numbness, tingling, and weakness, among other symptoms. Most of the time, the first sign of neuropathy is numbness, especially in the limbs like the hands and feet. To effectively manage this condition and keep a high quality of life, it is important to know what to look out for and get help as soon as possible.
What is Neuropathy?
Peripheral nerves are nerves that are not in the brain or spinal cord. Neuropathy means that this part of your body is hurt. Movement, feeling, and other important body functions are controlled by the peripheral nerve system. It sends signals from the brain to the rest of the body. When these nerves become damaged or diseased, they can no longer transmit signals effectively, leading to various symptoms, including numbness, pain, and weakness.
There are several causes of neuropathy in older adults, with the most common being diabetes, alcohol abuse, poor circulation, infections, and vitamin deficiencies. Neuropathy can also occur as a result of side effects from certain medications or autoimmune diseases. While it is more prevalent in older adults, neuropathy can affect individuals of all ages, making it important to be aware of the signs and seek treatment as soon as possible.
Recognizing Numbness Symptoms in Older Adults
Numbness is one of the most noticeable symptoms of neuropathy, especially in the hands and feet. In older adults, numbness can often be misattributed to other conditions or seen as a normal part of aging. However, when numbness becomes persistent or progresses, it may signal an underlying neuropathy condition.
Some common numbness symptoms associated with neuropathy include:
- Loss of sensation: A feeling of decreased or complete loss of feeling in the extremities. This may make it difficult to detect temperature changes, pressure, or pain.
- Weakness in the limbs: Numbness in the hands and feet can lead to muscle weakness and difficulty with daily tasks such as gripping objects or walking.
- Balance problems: Neuropathy can affect motor nerves, leading to coordination issues and increased risk of falls.
- Increased sensitivity to touch: Light touch can cause discomfort or pain in some individuals with neuropathy.
The Impact of Neuropathy on Older Adults
Neuropathy in older people can make it hard for them to stay independent and lower their quality of life. Feeling numb or in pain can make it hard to do normal things like driving, walking, cooking, or even getting dressed. More problems can happen as the disease gets worse, such as muscle loss, joint defects, and being unable to work for the rest of your life.
Neuropathy can affect more than just your physical health. It can also affect your mental health. The constant pain of numbness symptoms and the worry that more nerve damage will happen can make people anxious, depressed, and less healthy. Neuropathy can be very hard on your emotions, and you need to treat it in a way that takes both your physical and mental health into account.
When to Seek Medical Help
If your numbness sensations don’t go away or get worse over time, you should see a doctor to get a correct diagnosis and treatment plan. Getting help early can help stop nerve damage from getting worse and increase the chances of successful control. After a full exam, a neurologist can figure out what is causing the numbness and suggest the best ways to treat it.
South Valley Neurology is an excellent resource for individuals experiencing numbness symptoms or other signs of neuropathy. Their team of specialists can help diagnose the underlying cause of neuropathy, whether it is due to diabetes, vitamin deficiency, or another condition, and recommend the best course of treatment.
Neuropathy Treatment Options
Neuropathy can’t be cured, but there are a number of treatments that can help control symptoms and make life better. Treatment for neuropathy typically focuses on addressing the underlying cause, relieving pain, and improving function.
Some common treatments for neuropathy include:
- Medications: Pain relievers, antidepressants, or anti-seizure drugs can help alleviate neuropathic pain and discomfort.
- Physical therapy: Exercise and rehabilitation can help improve strength, balance, and coordination, reducing the risk of falls.
- Nutritional changes: Supplementing vitamins such as B12, B1, and vitamin E can help promote nerve health and prevent further damage.
- Lifestyle changes: Managing conditions like diabetes, reducing alcohol consumption, and quitting smoking can all help slow the progression of neuropathy.
In some cases, more advanced treatments such as nerve stimulation or surgical interventions may be recommended for individuals with severe neuropathy.
Conclusion
Not only do neuropathy and stiffness happen to a lot of older people, they are not normal parts of getting older. To effectively manage the condition, it is important to notice the signs early and get professional help. Don’t wait to see a professional at South Valley Neurology if you or someone you care about is feeling numb or showing other signs of neuropathy. Neuropathy can be managed and people can live full, active lives well into old age with the right evaluation and treatment.
