Neuropathy and Walking Difficulty | Integrated Pain Management

When dealing with neuropathy, the most difficult part is adjusting to the new normal. Actions that were once simple, such as walking or standing, have become uncomfortable and challenging.

Patients diagnosed with neuropathy report experiencing symptoms that hinder their ability to participate in the activities they love and prevent them from keeping up with their loved ones. To properly understand how neuropathy affects an individual’s physical abilities, it is essential to understand the effects this condition has on the body. 

What is Neuropathy?

So, what is neuropathy and what effects does it have on the body? Neuropathy typically develops as the result of an underlying condition or treatment.

The most common cause of neuropathy, specifically autonomic neuropathy, is diabetes. Diabetic autonomic neuropathy is so common due to high blood sugar, which damages nerves and interrupts the natural communication between the brain and the rest of the body. Without signals, the brain cannot function, leaving these systems to work independently. 

Autonomic neuropathy differs from other forms of neuropathy in relation to the effects it has on patients. This condition prevents the autonomous processes that endure in the body.

Diabetic autonomic neuropathy symptoms vary depending on the location of the damaged nerves. Depending on the system that suffered the nerve damage, there are a variety of autonomic neuropathy symptoms. If you are interested in learning more about how different parts of the body react to neuropathy, you can read more about it here. 

The challenges associated with neuropathy extend deeper than many people realize. When an individual suffers from nerve damage, many autonomous functions are interrupted, and they are forced to retrain themselves.

For example, if someone experienced nerve damage to their endocrine system, their body could face challenges as it tries to maintain and control blood sugar levels. While some medical professionals would choose to work on correcting blood sugar levels, the team at Integrated Pain Management treats the condition as a whole.

Rather than addressing the direct issue, our team engages in testing procedures and patient meetings to find the underlying medical problem and starts from there. 

Dealing with Neuropathy

Living with neuropathy stems beyond discomfort and pain. Individuals with neuropathy also live with the fear of other conditions that commonly develop as a result of nerve damage. This includes, but is not limited to, ischemia, tachycardia, and reproductive dysfunction. Additionally, the stresses of dealing with neuropathy have effects of their own, making anxiety and depression very common in individuals with neuropathy. 

A diagnosis of neuropathy can be daunting and seem impossible to confront, but with the correct wellness plan and lifestyle changes, it is completely possible to live a happy life.

The medical professionals at Integrated Pain Management curate a neuropathy treatment plan unique to each patient to address their neuropathy symptoms.

After any initial treatments, our team continues to engage with patients to ensure they are succeeding in their efforts to follow their dedicated treatment plan. 

Autonomic neuropathy symptoms are one of the most frustrating aspects as it often makes it difficult to resume physical activity. The best way to regain function in areas that you have a hard time is through physical therapy programs, as they help patients relearn simple movements, specifically walking. 

For most people, walking is second nature and it takes little-to-no thought, however, patients with neuropathy or autonomic neuropathy often have a hard time with it due to balance and pain.

One of the most common side effects of neuropathy is loss of balance – which results from a loss of sensation, therefore hindering the ability to coordinate movement. Some neuropathy patients avoid walking altogether as they fear falling. While physical activity may seem overwhelming, it is often the best way to help patients regain mobility. 

Neuropathy and Walking Difficulty

If you are experiencing autonomic neuropathy symptoms, specifically a loss of sensation in your feet or are having trouble walking, there are neuropathy treatment options that can be taken to return to normal activity. Neuropathy in feet has symptoms of its own, including numbness and tingling sensations.

At Integrated Pain Management, our team of medical professionals believe in a recovery plan, rather than urging patients to immediately undergo surgery. By making a collection of lifestyle changes, an individual can often return to normal mobility within weeks to months. 

The most effective way to treat neuropathy in feet is to prevent nerve damage from worsening. This includes taking precautionary measures and getting ahead of the problem. Many individuals who have neuropathy in feet will follow a series of steps as part of their treatment plan to return to their best physical state. 

The first step, if you have neuropathy in feet, is to set up an appointment with a physical therapist. They will instruct you on different effective exercises that can improve range of motion. This will extend over multiple sessions, which allows the physical therapist to see how your body is responding to therapy, as well as ensure you are moving in a positive direction. 

A patient may also be expected to make subtle changes to their diet. Consuming a healthier diet including fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins can help offset the damage and control inflammation. If patients choose to not make nutritional changes to their diet, there is a chance neuropathy treatment could take longer, or be ineffective altogether.

More specifically, patients with neuropathy from diabetes should be extra cautious when making dieting decisions. 

In addition to these lifestyle changes, Integrated Pain Management offers an extensive list of neuropathy treatment options for those dealing with neuropathy. By working and collaborating with our dedicated team, each patient will be given a detailed plan that outlines each step of their treatment process. 

Integrated Pain Management

If you are living with neuropathy, and are struggling to engage in the same activities that you once did, it’s time for a change. The experienced medical team at Integrated Pain Management is dedicated to finding the right neuropathy treatment for all patients. If you are interested in learning more about the services offered through Integrated Pain Management, take some time to review our treatment options.