Neuropathy has many possible causes including disease, injury, or treatment for chronic illness but it is insidious in that most suffers don’t really recognize the first onset of symptoms as a possible long term problem. They may notice burning in their hands or feet, or that their extremities seem to constantly be cold. They may experience weakness in their hands or lack of sensation in their toes. This can indicate that the nerves in these areas are being affected and most often the neuropathy is progressive, with symptoms escalating over time into numbness, cramping or instability when walking. Because the first symptoms seem minor, most patients don’t realize how disruptive neuropathy can eventually be if not managed.
