Nerve damage is commonly thought of as a complication of diabetes, but it can also result after an injury. Nerve damage is also known as peripheral neuropathy. The nerves that are most likely to be damaged tend to be in your arms, feet, and hands, although other parts of the body may also be affected. Show
When you’re injured or have surgery, the nerves no longer get the signal from your brain to transmit sensation. Sometimes, nerves that are only partially damaged can heal themselves. Dr. Jonathan Shults at Coastal Empire Orthopedics offers this guide to help you recognize the warning signs of nerve damage and the next steps you should take. How nerve damage happensNerve damage can occur after any injury, with the results often being related to the severity of the injury. Minor injuries may cause some nerve damage, but your body tries to heal itself whenever possible. However, more serious injuries can cause severe nerve damage which often requires nerve repairs. Nerves are made up of fibers, which are also called axons. These fibers are covered with tissues that act as a type of insulation. Sometimes, after an injury, only the fibers are damaged. In the more serious scenarios, both the fibers and tissues are damaged. In some cases, the nerve is completely cut. The signs of nerve damageWithout properly functioning nerves, you are likely to experience uncomfortable or even painful sensations. These occur because the nerves are not able to carry the correct signals from the brain to the spinal cord. The signs of nerve damage include the following:
Nerve damage tends to be worse in the part of the body that was injured. For example, if you injured your arm or shoulder, you may have more symptoms in your arms and hands than in your feet. Repairing nerve damageDamaged nerves can sometimes be repaired, especially if they are treated quickly after an injury. For that reason, it’s important to call us after a serious injury or when you first notice the signs of nerve damage. This is a situation in which you don’t want to wait too long because sometimes nerves reach a point of being irreparable. Dr. Shults can repair nerves, whether or not you’ve caught the symptoms early enough. He explores the damaged nerve(s) and removes any injured tissues. Then, he can often reconnect even severed nerves, as long as there’s enough of the nerves left to reattach without making it too tight. Once the nerve has been repaired, you can generally expect sensation to come back gradually over a period of a couple of months. Your nerves have an ability to heal and regenerate even once they have been damaged, assuming that they have been properly repaired. If you suspect you have nerve damage, it’s important to come see us right away. Treatment is available and nerve damage isn’t something you have to learn to accept. Call our Savannah office at 912-225-4888 or request an appointment online. Your nervous system is involved in everything your body does, from regulating your breathing to controlling your muscles and sensing heat and cold. There are three types of nerves in the body:
Because nerves are essential to all you do, nerve pain and damage can seriously affect your quality of life. What Are the Symptoms of Nerve Pain and Nerve Damage?With nerve damage there can be a wide array of symptoms. Which ones you may have depends on the location and type of nerves that are affected. Damage can occur to nerves in your brain and spinal cord. It can also occur in the peripheral nerves, which are located throughout the rest of your body. Autonomic nerve damage may produce the following symptoms:
Damage to motor nerves may produce the following symptoms:
Sensory nerve damage may produce the following symptoms:
In some instances, people with nerve damage will have symptoms that indicate damage to two, or even three, different types of nerves. For instance, you might experience weakness and burning of your legs at the same time. What Causes Nerve Pain and Nerve Damage?There are more than 100 different types of nerve damage. The various types may have different symptoms and may require different types of treatment. It is estimated that about 20 million Americans suffer from peripheral nerve damage. This type of damage becomes increasingly common with age. Up to 70% of people with diabetes have some nerve damage. While not an exhaustive list, the following are some of the possible causes of nerve pain and nerve damage:
In many instances, nerve damage cannot be cured entirely. But there are various treatments that can reduce your symptoms. Because nerve damage is often progressive, it is important to consult with a doctor when you first notice symptoms. That way you can reduce the likelihood of permanent damage. Often, the first goal of treatment is to address the underlying condition that's causing your nerve pain or nerve damage. This may mean:
Additionally, your doctor may prescribe medications aimed at minimizing the nerve pain you are feeling. These may include:
Complementary and alternative approaches may also help alleviate your nerve pain and discomfort. These include:
SOURCES: National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke: "NINDS Peripheral Neuropathy Information Page." |
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