Can peripheral neuropathy cause leg pain? What about the numbness? If you’ve got questions about how peripheral neuropathy can affect your legs, this article is for you. Keep reading below to learn more about what peripheral neuropathy in the legs is and what you can do to prevent and manage neuropathy symptoms.
What is peripheral neuropathy?
Peripheral neuropathy is a condition that occurs when the nerves in your body are damaged or destroyed and can no longer deliver the signals you need to function ideally. Neuropathy commonly affects the legs and feet, though it can also have an impact on your arms, hands, and certain body functions.
What causes peripheral neuropathy in the legs?
There are many causes of neuropathy in the legs, and once this condition sets in, it will likely affect your lower extremities. Some of the main causes of neuropathy include:
- Complications from diabetes or failure to manage diabetes
- Traumatic injuries or pinched nerves
- Certain medications, such as chemotherapy drugs
- Infections, diseases, or other medical conditions
- Vitamin deficiencies, especially vitamin B12 deficiency
- Toxic substances or alcoholism
Anything that can damage your nerves has the potential to cause neuropathy in the legs. Once neuropathy develops, it can’t be reversed. However, a customized treatment plan can help you manage your neuropathy, prevent it from getting worse, or slow its progression.
The symptoms of neuropathy in the legs & feet
Can peripheral neuropathy cause leg pain? The answer is yes. Because neuropathy affects sensory nerves, your body may send pain signals to your brain at even the lightest touch or slight temperature changes. Neuropathy pain is often described as a burning or shocking feeling that may be over fairly quickly or may last for a while.
In addition to leg and foot pain, neuropathy can also cause a variety of other symptoms, such as:
- Feelings of tingling or numbness
- Muscle weakness or wasting
- Loss of balance and coordination
- Problems sensing temperatures or pressure
- Swelling
- Neuropathy leg cramps
Living with neuropathy can also make you more susceptible to other problems, such as:
- Blisters, ulcers, lesions, and other foot wounds
- Infections
- Slips, trips, falls, and related injuries
Treating Neuropathy Leg Pain
Neuropathy symptoms are most common in the feet and the legs. If you have neuropathy, it’s important to protect and care for your legs not only to slow the progression of neuropathy but also to manage symptoms of neuropathy in the legs you may have.
There are many things that you can do to help manage neuropathy in your legs. Some of the most common treatment options can include:
- Managing the underlying condition, such as diabetes
- Medications and topical ointments
- Physical therapy
- Medical treatments such as casts or electrical shocks
- Lifestyle changes
Your doctor or healthcare provider can help you determine what treatment options are best for you. Regardless of your overall treatment plan, one of the most important things you can do if you have neuropathy is to care for your feet and legs.
Inspect your feet daily, visit a podiatrist regularly, and invest in a well-fitting pair of socks and shoes to help protect your feet and prevent injury.
Shop supportive socks online at Viasox
Here at Viasox, we’re proud to provide comfortable and effective non-binding diabetic socks and compression socks for people with neuropathy, diabetes, chronic foot injuries, and more. Gentle enough not to leave painful marks, these socks gently grip your feet and legs to help improve circulation, wick away moisture, and help prevent common foot problems like wounds, scrapes, ulcers, and more. Best of all, our fabulous fancy socks come in a huge range of colors, patterns, lengths, and styles that are sure to complement your wardrobe.
Visit us online today to browse the complete collection. Questions or concerns? Don’t hesitate to reach out to our friendly team!
