Definition of Neuropathy

Neuropathy is a functional disturbance of the Peripheral Nervous System. The nerves of the Peripheral Nervous System are the nerves that lie outside of the Central Nervous System (which controls the brain and spinal cord). The nerves of the Peripheral Nervous System extend from the spinal cord to the arms, hands, legs and feet. This nervous system consists of three different nerve types. They are as follows: motor nerves (nerves that allow movement), sensory nerves (nerves that sensation/feeling), and autonomic nerves (nerves that are responsible for involuntary functions such as blood pressure, breathing, digestion, and sexual function). Any of these sets of nerves may be affected by Neuropathy.

Peripheral Neuropathy may be generally categorized by the type of nerve that is damaged (e.g., motor, sensory or autonomic). However, this condition may also be categorized by where it occurs in the body. For instance, nerve damage that occurs in only one area of the body is called mononeuropathy. If the damage is present in multiple areas of the body it is referred to as polyneuropathy. When the condition is present on both sides of the body the condition is called symmetric neuropathy.

Peripheral Neuropathy may also be categorized by cause. For example: Diabetic Neuropathy (the result of diabetes), nutritional neuropathy (the result of a nutritional deficit), etc. When a cause cannot be identified the condition is called idiopathic neuropathy.

Radiculopathy (Is the term for Neuropathy that affects the nerve roots which are extensions of the spinal nerves. They exit the spinal canal through a space between the vertebral bones). This condition may be the result of degeneration (breakdown) of the vertebral bones (bones of the spinal canal), herniation (bulging/protrusion) of the pulpy (soft/fleshy) disc between the vertebral bones, narrowing of the spinal column (spinal stenosis) or trauma (injury).

Possible Causes of Neurapathy

* Disease - this condition may result from a variety of diseases. Following are some of the diseases that may be a factor in this condition: alcoholism (the incidence of neuropathy among individuals with alcoholism is great), amyloidosis (a metabolic disorder), autoimmune disorders (e.g., Guillain-Barre syndrome), Bell's Palsy, cancer, carpal tunnel syndrome, chronic kidney failure, connective tissue disease, (e.g., rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, sarcoidosis), diabetes (more than 60% of individuals with diabetes experience peripheral neuropathy), infectious disease (e.g., Lyme disease, HIV/AIDS, hepatitis B, leprosy), liver failure, and scleroderma.

* Nutrition - deficiencies of certain vitamins may also lead to this condition.

* Medicines - reactions to certain medicines may be a factor in this condition.

Symptoms of Neurapathy

* If the motor nerves are affected there may be a weakness, paralysis or a wasting away of the muscles controlled by the affected nerves.

* If the sensory nerves are affected the primary symptoms are burning, tingling, pain or a loss of sensation/feeling. These symptoms may begin gradually. A tingling sensation/feeling may begin in the toes and/or at the "ball of the foot" and may eventually travel upward to the ankle and leg.

In some cases, the skin may become so sensitive that even the slightest touch may prove to be agonizing. At times the symptoms may be barely noticeable and at other times, particularly at night, they may be almost unbearable. The symptoms may also include a burning or freezing pain, a sharp jabbing sensation or the feeling of an electric shock.

Possible Solutions for Neurapathy

In addition to appropriate Foot Care, we at Hawley Lane Shoes believe that properly fitted footwear is crucial to overall footwellness. Wearing shoes that are too tight will inhibit the natural motion of the foot and may potentially lead to foot deformities. Proper range of motion combined with proper arch support will help to optimize the health and the biomechanics of the entire foot.

For example, over the past 10 years we have received positive feedback from an abundance of customers who suffered from Neuropathy. These individuals have shared with us that they have experienced significant relief after wearing clogs, sandals, and shoes that provided their feet with a more functional arch support. As a matter of fact, many people notice almost instant relief once they have slipped on a pair of shoes that provide the proper arch support and allow for the proper range of motion of the foot.