What are neuropathy and neuralgia?
Neuropathy and neuralgia are two different, but often related conditions that affect the nervous system and cause severe pain, weakness, and other discomforts. Although both conditions involve nerve problems, they have different causes, symptoms, and treatments.
Neuropathy refers to damage or dysfunction of a nerve, which can lead to various symptoms including pain, numbness, weakness, and loss of sensation in the extremities. This condition most commonly affects the peripheral nervous system, meaning the nerve endings outside the brain and spinal cord. Neuropathy can develop due to various factors such as diabetes, injuries, infections, or metabolic disorders.
Neuralgia is a specific type of pain that arises from irritation or damage to a nerve. The best-known form of neuralgia is trigeminal neuralgia, which causes severe, stabbing pain in the face, but there are other types that can affect different parts of the body. This pain is often intense, sudden, and can cause significant difficulties in daily activities.
Both conditions can be very uncomfortable and seriously affect quality of life. Therefore, it is important to recognize the symptoms early and promptly consult a specialist for diagnosis and treatment.
The Importance of Treating Neuropathy and Neuralgia
Treatment of neuropathy and neuralgia plays a key role in improving patients’ quality of life. Without adequate therapy, these conditions can lead to chronic pain, disability, and reduced functionality, significantly affecting daily activities and overall health.
Proper treatment, such as physiotherapy, medication, and specific exercises, can alleviate symptoms, reduce pain, and improve mobility. Additionally, timely treatment can help prevent further damage to the nervous system and reduce the risk of complications that may arise if the condition is neglected.
At the Fizio and Estetik Center In Locco, the approach to treating neuropathy and neuralgia is based on a combination of physical therapies, individualized exercises, and education, ensuring optimal recovery and long-term improvement of the patient’s condition. Through this approach, we help patients relieve pain and regain normal functionality, enabling them to return to their daily activities and enhance their quality of life.
Causes of Neuropathy and Neuralgia
Neuropathy and neuralgia can be caused by various factors that affect the nervous system, leading to its dysfunction. These factors include metabolic disorders, injuries, infections, prolonged exposure to toxic substances, and genetic predispositions. Below, we will examine the most common causes of neuropathy and neuralgia in detail:
Diabetes
Diabetes, especially if poorly controlled, is one of the most common causes of peripheral neuropathy. In diabetic patients, high blood sugar levels over a prolonged period can damage nerve fibers, leading to reduced nerve function, particularly in the extremities (hands and feet). This condition is called diabetic neuropathy and can cause pain, tingling, numbness, and weakness, and in severe cases, loss of sensation in the legs and hands.
High blood sugar damages the blood vessels that supply nerve endings, resulting in reduced blood flow and nutrients to the nerves. Additionally, diabetes can affect the nerves’ ability to transmit electrical impulses, causing various sensory and motor disturbances.
Injuries
Injuries such as bone fractures, muscle strains, or nerve injuries (e.g., after traffic accidents, sports injuries, or falls) can cause neuropathy or neuralgia. When a nerve is injured, whether due to direct mechanical damage or nerve compression (e.g., when a nerve is pressed during an injury), inflammation and decreased nerve function occur.
In the case of neuralgia, pain can arise due to irritation of the nerve or its surrounding tissue. For example, in trigeminal neuralgia (injury to the trigeminal nerve), a person may experience extremely intense, stabbing facial pain triggered by even minimal movement or touch.
Infections
Certain infections can be a serious cause of neuropathy and neuralgia. One of the most well-known examples is herpes zoster, a viral infection that causes painful skin lesions and can lead to postherpetic neuralgia. This condition is characterized by persistent pain that continues even after the lesions have healed, caused by nerve damage from the virus.
Additionally, HIV, hepatitis C, and other viral infections can cause neuropathy, while bacterial infections like Lyme disease can lead to nerve damage. In some cases, infection directly affects the nerve, while in others, inflammation or an immune response causes nervous system damage.
Metabolic Disorders
Metabolic disorders such as hypothyroidism (reduced thyroid gland function) or kidney failure can cause neuropathy. For example, hypothyroidism slows bodily processes, including nervous system function, which may lead to weakness, tingling, and pain in the extremities. Similarly, in people with kidney failure, the buildup of toxins can damage nerve fibers and cause neuropathy symptoms.
Metabolic disorders are closely linked to diabetes, as both involve problems with blood vessel and nerve function.
Alcoholism
Long-term and excessive alcohol consumption can cause alcoholic neuropathy, a condition where alcohol damages nerve fibers. Alcohol directly affects the nervous system by disrupting normal nerve function. Moreover, alcohol can cause vitamin B12 deficiency (essential for nerve health), which may further worsen the condition.
Symptoms of alcoholic neuropathy may include tingling, weakness, pain, and loss of sensation in the legs, hands, and feet. Alcohol can also cause severe metabolic changes and reduce nutrient absorption, which can further exacerbate nerve damage.
Symptoms of Neuropathy and Neuralgia
Neuropathy and neuralgia cause a variety of symptoms that can significantly differ depending on the type and severity of nerve damage. These symptoms often affect the patient’s daily life, disrupting physical functions and causing emotional distress. Classic symptoms of neuropathy and neuralgia include pain, stiffness, weakness, sensory changes, and muscle cramps, each of which can manifest in different ways. Below, we will detail the most common symptoms associated with these conditions:
Pain
One of the most prominent symptoms of neuropathy and neuralgia is pain, which can be intense, persistent, and varied. The pain may be described as stabbing, sharp, burning, or pulsating. In neuropathy, pain often arises when nerves become damaged, which can cause excessive nerve fiber activity or irritation.
Unlike ordinary pain caused by injuries or inflammation, the pain associated with neuropathy can be chronic and distressing. The pain may be present even at rest and often worsens at night. In cases such as trigeminal neuralgia, the pain can be so severe that it triggers intense facial pain attacks even from the slightest touch or movement. Sometimes, the pain can spread to larger parts of the body, including the arms, legs, or the entire body.
Stiffness and Weakness
Stiffness and weakness are also common symptoms of neuropathy, especially when nerve damage is severe. Stiffness most often occurs in the extremities (hands and feet) and can cause a feeling of reduced muscle control. The sensation of “numbness” or “tingling” can lead to difficulties in performing everyday activities, such as holding objects, walking, or even speaking.
Weakness in the hands or feet is another serious symptom that can occur due to dysfunction of the motor nerves, which control muscle movements. Weakness can be caused by damage to nerves that transmit signals from the brain and spinal cord to the muscles. This can make simple tasks difficult, such as climbing stairs, lifting objects, or even holding a pen or utensils. In more severe cases, weakness can lead to an inability to perform basic activities independently and may require assistance from others.
Sensory changes
Sensory changes are symptoms that affect how a patient perceives touch, pain, temperature, and other sensations. In neuropathy, the nerves that transmit sensory information from the skin, muscles, and other body parts can be damaged, causing the following symptoms:
Loss of sensation: Patients with neuropathy often experience reduced or complete loss of sensation in certain areas of the body, making it difficult to recognize pain, temperature, or other sensations. This symptom is especially common in the feet in diabetic neuropathy, where the patient may not feel injuries or burns on the soles.
Tingling and burning: These are common symptoms in neuropathy and can be described as sensations of “tingling” or “burning,” often occurring in the feet, hands, or fingers. Patients often rub their hands or feet to relieve this discomfort, but tingling and burning can become constant and interfere with sleep and rest.
Increased sensitivity: Although loss of sensation is common, some people with neuropathy may develop hypersensitivity to touch, pain, or temperature. For example, a patient may feel pain even from a light touch or feel that socks or shoes are too tight, even if they are normal.
Muscle cramps and spasms
Muscle cramps and spasms are another common symptom experienced by individuals with neuropathy and neuralgia. These cramps can occur spontaneously, without prior exertion, or cause involuntary muscle contractions, leading to painful tension.
In neuralgia, spasms are usually associated with pain in a specific body area, such as facial pain in trigeminal neuralgia, but they can also occur in other regions affected by nerve irritation. Muscle cramps can be very uncomfortable and, in some cases, may be accompanied by trembling or reduced muscle control.
Spasms can interfere with normal function, making physical activities difficult. For example, someone experiencing leg cramps due to neuropathy might have trouble walking, climbing stairs, or even standing.
Treatment of Neuropathy and Neuralgia at Fizio In Locco
At the Fizio and Estetik Center In Locco, the approach to treating neuropathy and neuralgia is comprehensive and based on a combination of various physical therapies, exercises, massages, and daily life advice. The goal is to reduce pain, improve mobility, strengthen muscles, relieve tension, and enhance the overall quality of life for patients. Our treatments are designed to help patients recover and learn how to manage the symptoms of these conditions.
Physical Procedures
Physical therapy is one of the most important aspects of treating neuropathy and neuralgia, as specialized treatments can alleviate symptoms, improve functionality, and reduce inflammation. In our center, we use the following physiotherapy treatments:
Electrotherapy: This treatment uses electrical impulses to stimulate nerves and muscles, which can improve circulation, reduce pain, and accelerate the recovery process. Electrotherapy is particularly effective in reducing pain and cramps associated with neuropathy and neuralgia. It also helps strengthen weak muscles, enhancing mobility and function.
Magnetotherapy: The use of magnetic fields to stimulate the body helps speed up nerve tissue regeneration, reduce pain and inflammation. This treatment improves microcirculation, aiding recovery from neuropathic pain and increasing overall energy levels.
Shockwave Therapy: A treatment method that uses high-intensity acoustic waves to relieve pain and stimulate tissue regeneration. It is often used to treat muscle, tendon, and joint injuries.
Therapeutic Ultrasound: Therapeutic ultrasound uses high-frequency sound waves to treat injuries and pain in muscles, tendons, and joints. It helps improve circulation, reduce inflammation, and accelerate tissue healing.
Laser Therapy: Laser therapy uses low-intensity light (laser) to stimulate healing processes, reduce pain, and inflammation. This therapy is commonly used for treating injuries, chronic pain, and to speed up tissue regeneration.
Exercises to improve mobility
Exercises applied at the Fizio and Estetik Center In Locco are focused on improving joint mobility, reducing stiffness, and strengthening muscles. Since neuropathy and neuralgia often cause weakness and stiffness in the extremities, the goal of our exercises is to enhance functionality and reduce the limitations patients experience in their daily activities.
Individualized muscle-strengthening exercises: Our team of physiotherapists designs exercises tailored to each patient, depending on their symptoms and condition. Strengthening muscles helps restore power in the legs and arms, reduces the risk of falls and injuries, and also helps decrease pain caused by neuropathy.
Stretching and flexibility: Stretching is a key part of exercises aimed at improving mobility. Through targeted stretches, we increase joint flexibility, which helps reduce stiffness and improve movement. Regular stretching also reduces muscle tension, which can decrease the frequency of muscle cramps and spasms.
Improving joint functionality: Physiotherapists use exercises that enhance joint stability and coordination, reducing pain during daily activities. Through these exercises, patients can more easily perform basic movements such as walking, climbing stairs, or lifting objects.
Massages and manual therapy
Massages and manual therapy play a key role in the recovery from neuropathy and neuralgia. These treatments help reduce pain, relax muscles, and improve circulation, which can significantly contribute to alleviating symptoms.
Massages: Therapeutic massages can reduce muscle tension, improve blood flow, and relax tight muscles. Massages are effective in reducing pain caused by neuropathy, especially when painful cramps and spasms are present. Additionally, massages help reduce stress, which can worsen neuropathy symptoms.
Manual therapy: This treatment involves various techniques using the hands of a physiotherapist to improve joint mobility, reduce tension, and relieve pain. Manual therapy is particularly effective in removing joint blockages and enhancing their functionality. It can also help reduce pain resulting from neuralgia or nerve damage.
Orthopedic aids
Using orthopedic aids can significantly improve daily functionality and reduce pain in people with neuropathy and neuralgia. Our physiotherapists will provide advice on appropriate orthopedic aids that will help you move more easily and reduce pressure on sensitive joints and nerves.
Braces and orthoses: These aids help stabilize joints and reduce stress on nerve endings, thereby decreasing pain and stiffness. Braces and orthoses are especially useful for patients with neuropathy in the limbs who experience joint weakness.
Joint protection: We also provide guidance on the proper use of footwear and other joint protections to prevent further damage and improve function.
Prevention of neuropathy and neuralgia
Prevention of neuropathy and neuralgia involves various strategies that can help reduce the risk of developing these conditions and maintain optimal nervous system health. Although it is not possible to completely eliminate all risks, proper prevention can significantly decrease the chances of these diseases occurring and improve quality of life. Below are the key factors that can aid in the prevention of neuropathy and neuralgia:
Weight control
Excess body weight represents a significant risk factor for the development of many chronic diseases, including neuropathy. Extra body mass puts additional pressure on the nervous system, especially the peripheral nervous system, which can increase the risk of nerve damage.
Losing weight and maintaining a healthy body weight can reduce the risk of developing neuropathy, especially in cases associated with metabolic disorders such as diabetes or hypertension. Managing body weight through proper nutrition and regular physical activity decreases pressure on nerve endings and improves circulation, which contributes to nerve health.
Maintaining a healthy diet
Proper nutrition is key to maintaining the health of the entire body, especially the nervous system. Certain vitamins and minerals play a crucial role in nerve health and can help prevent neuropathy.
B-complex vitamins, such as vitamin B1 (thiamine), B6 (pyridoxine), and B12 (cobalamin), are essential for the proper functioning of the nervous system. A deficiency in these vitamins can lead to nerve damage and the development of neuropathy.
Antioxidants like vitamins C and E help protect the nervous system from oxidative stress, which can contribute to nerve tissue damage.
The health of blood vessels and circulation also depends on proper nutrition, rich in fiber, healthy fats (such as omega-3 fatty acids), and low in saturated fats, reducing the risk of disorders that can lead to neuropathy.
Regular physical activity
Physical activity plays a key role in maintaining the health of the nervous system and preventing neuropathy and neuralgia. Exercise improves circulation, helps maintain a healthy body weight, reduces the risk of diabetes, and also increases muscle strength and flexibility.
Aerobic exercises (such as walking, running, and cycling) help improve circulation and reduce the risk of vascular diseases that can cause neuropathy.
Strength and flexibility exercises improve joint stability, reduce the risk of injuries, and help preserve the functionality of the nervous system.
Regular stretching and muscle strengthening help reduce stress on nerve endings, thereby preventing the development of neuralgia.
Avoiding injuries
Injuries, especially those involving nerve damage, can be a serious risk factor for the development of neuropathy and neuralgia. If an injury is not properly treated, permanent damage to nerve fibers may occur.
Avoiding injuries includes wearing appropriate protective equipment during physical activities, such as sports insoles, wrist guards, helmets, and other safety gear.
Proper ergonomics at the workplace and at home (correctly adjusted chair, body positioning) can also help prevent injuries and reduce stress on the nervous system.
Prompt medical intervention in case of injuries (especially those involving nerves) can help minimize long-term consequences and prevent neuropathy.
Education about prevention
One of the most important factors in the prevention of neuropathy and neuralgia is education. Understanding the causes, symptoms, and methods of prevention can significantly reduce the risk of developing these conditions.
Educating patients about a healthy lifestyle, the importance of physical activity, proper nutrition, and weight control can contribute to the prevention of neuropathy.
Education on recognizing the early symptoms of neuropathy, such as tingling, pain, or numbness in the extremities, enables patients to identify the problem in time and ensure timely treatment.