Symptoms generally depend on the nerves affected and include:

• Numbness or tingling sensation
• Pain
• Inability to detect joint position that can lead to falls
• Extreme sensitivity to touch, light or sound
• Weakness
• Loss of reflexes
• Muscle cramping
• Loss of proper functioning of the organs in case of autonomic neuropathy, for example, urinary incontinence
• Bone degeneration
• Notable changes in the skin, hair, and nails

• Neuropathy is a defect of one or more nerves, common causes are
• Family history
• Diabetes
• Vitamin B deficiency
• Autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis
• Injury to nerves
• Infectious diseases such as HIV/AIDS, leprosy, syphilis
• Post-herpetic neuralgia, a complication resulting from shingles
• Alcohol abuse
• Genetic disorders such as Friedreich’s ataxia
• Amyloidosis where abnormal protein fibers get deposited in tissues and organs
• Certain medications or drugs, such as cancer therapy drugs
• Tumors located close to nerves
• When the causes are unknown or cannot be exactly identified, it is known as idiopathic neuropathy

• Follow your doctor’s advice on the medications and follow-up visits
• Monitor and control your blood glucose levels
• Quit smoking and alcohol
• Avoid exposure to toxins
• Consult your doctor regarding the diet
• Take your nutritional supplements as suggested
• Get your feet tested at least once every year

• Inability to sense in the foot leads to blisters and sores, which when not noticed could lead to infection and gangrene
• Autonomic neuropathy can lead to:
• Abdominal distension, nausea or vomiting after meals
• Urinary incontinence
• Abnormal bowel movements causing diarrhea or constipation
• Blurred vision
• Decreased ability to sweat
• Erectile dysfunction or impotence in men
• Difficulty eating or swallowing
• Difficulty breathing