Peripheral neuropathy results from damage or pressure placed on nerves that lead to numbness in your extremities: either your hands or feet or both. The pain in your extremities may be minor or major and can increase over time if the underlying problem is not dealt with. You may experience sharp pains, burning and radiating pain along with numbness and weakness. Some people may develop chest pain from peripheral neuropathy. Speak with your doctor about any unusual pain you experience to get a proper diagnosis.
Causes of Peripheral Neuropathy
There are many conditions and illnesses that may lead to peripheral neuropathy. It may be a physiological condition such as a pinched nerve or a herniated disc creating pressure on your spinal cord and other nerves. Those with diabetes are at high risk for peripheral neuropathy resulting form poor circulation. Vitamin deficiencies may lead to poor nerve health as can alcoholism and certain autoimmune diseases such as lupus and rheumatoid arthritis. Those suffering from kidney or liver disease as well as those with thyroid conditions are also prone to peripheral neuropathy.
Focal Neuropathy
Peripheral neuropathy affects areas outside of the chest but this does not mean you may not experience chest pain as a result of your condition causing the peripheral neuropathy. Nearly half of all diabetics will develop peripheral neuropathy. The same circulation issues that cause this neuropathy can affect any nerve center in the body, thus focal neuropathy may also develop. Focal neuropathy affects eyes, facial muscles, ears, back, chest and abdomen. Focal neuropathy that leads to chest pain may be misdiagnosed as heart disease, a heart attack or appendicitis.
Polyarteritis Nodosa (PAN)
Polyarteritis nodosa (PAN) is a vascular condition where the blood vessels swell. This occurs in small and medium-sized arteries within the body inhibiting blood flow to tissues. This can lead to peripheral neuropathy. If you suffer from this condition, you will be at risk of focal neuropathy which results from poor blood flow to central regions. Muscles will atrophy and tissue can die from this condition. You may increase your risk of heart attach and stroke if you do not properly treat this condition. Corticosteroids are used to reduce the swelling and improve circulation.
Risks with Chest Pain
Chest pain is nothing to ignore. When a heart attack or stroke occurs, you have minutes to react in order to save your life. While there are certainly links to peripheral neuropathy that lead to focal neuropathy and chest pain, you need to use common sense when dealing with chest pain. If you are aware of your condition and experience chest pain regularly, this may be of less concern than if chest pain becomes a new symptom. Discuss your condition with your doctor regularly and check the health of your heart to be safe.
Treatment
Peripheral neuropathy is a symptom of other conditions. It is imperative to get a proper medical diagnosis and treat the underlying cause rather than just deal with pain management. For those with physiological issues such as herniated discs and pinched nerves, resolving the pressure on the nerve is first and foremost. Diabetics should have regular examinations to test nerve stability in their extremities and work hard to maintain stable glucose levels.
If you suffer from chest pain you should have an angiogram to determine if your heart has been affected by your condition. Most people who suffer from peripheral neuropathy and get the proper treatment will find that they regain full use of the affected extremities. Early diagnosis and treatment is essential.
Tags: , your condition, chest pain, suffer from, that lead, this condition