Idiopathic Peripheral Neuropathy is a condition that affects the sensory and motor nerves in the periphery without apparent reason. Many of the symptoms are similar to those of diabetic polyneuropathy.
What is Idiopathic Peripheral Neuropathy?
The condition is said to be idiopathic when the source of peripheral nerve injury cannot be identified. Foot problems often arise due to damage to the peripheral nerves. The lower extremities may feel numb, tingle, burn, hurt, lose feeling altogether, be weak, spasm, or be difficult to move.
Symptom management is the primary goal of treatment for patients with lower-extremity idiopathic peripheral neuropathy. Medication and physical therapy are two options that could be discussed. For better stability and gait, your doctor may recommend mobility aids like orthotic footwear, a walking cane, or a brace. Speak with a podiatrist if you want to learn more about peripheral neuropathy.
When dealing with systemic disease of the feet, it's vital to keep checking the affected areas to catch any new problems as soon as possible. Contact one of our podiatrists if you have any issues with your feet or ankles. When it comes to podiatry, our doctors have you covered.
Symptoms
Patients with idiopathic sensory-motor polyneuropathy often report tingling, burning, numbness, and pain in their hands and feet. Muscles in the hands and feet may also become weak. Patients may find it hard to keep their balance and walk in the dark or on uneven surfaces as the condition worsens. Minorities of individuals may also develop symptoms related to the autonomic nervous system, including but not limited to chronic nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, incontinence, sweating irregularities, or sexual dysfunction.
Causes
Some neurological disorders are inherited. Other factors that may contribute to it include:
- Harm or infection
- Abnormalities in nutrition or hormones
- Chemotherapy or hazardous chemical exposure
- Lyme disease, lupus, and rheumatoid arthritis are examples of autoimmune disorders (RA)
- Diabetes, kidney problems, and certain malignancies are examples of systemic diseases.
- Vascular problems
- Tumors
Diabetes is responsible for around 30% of neuropathy occurrences. Idiopathic causes account for between 30 and 40% of the remaining occurrences.
Diagnosis
Idiopathic sensory-motor polyneuropathy can be diagnosed using a combination of patient history, a thorough physical examination, and diagnostic tests. These include nerve and muscle biopsies for histological analysis, skin biopsies to assess cutaneous nerve innervation, and electromyography with nerve conduction tests.
Idiopathic Peripheral Neuropathy: Treatment
To alleviate the neuropathic pain associated with idiopathic sensory-motor polyneuropathy, doctors may prescribe anticonvulsants, antidepressants, or analgesics like opiates. When conventional treatments have failed, a patient suffering from severe pain may be referred to the Clinic for a comprehensive multidisciplinary evaluation and treatment plan. Physical treatment focusing on "gait" training can help patients with balance issues. Orthotics may help patients whose foot drop is caused by ankle weakness.