The Pain of Autoimmune Diseases
There are more than 80 autoimmune diseases known to scientists, and they impact between 5% and 8% of Americans. Autoimmune disorders occur when your immune system falsely attacks healthy cells within your body.
Your autoimmune disease can negatively impact your overall well-being. Additional health issues may occur from the root of your autoimmune disorder.
The Connection Between Autoimmune Diseases and Peripheral Neuropathy
When you have an autoimmune disease, your immune system will destroy the healthy tissues in your body, and some autoimmune disorders attack nerve endings directly.
Your peripheral nervous system conveys motor commands to your muscles and carries sensory information to your brain and central nervous system. When there is damage to the system, your body’s nerve feelings will become compromised — this is where peripheral neuropathy comes into play.
However, not every autoimmune disease will beeline for your nerve tissues. Learn about which disorders are most likely to destroy nerve tissue and cause peripheral neuropathy.
Which Autoimmune Diseases Link to Peripheral Neuropathy?
Most autoimmune disease symptoms come and go, flaring and subsiding over time in cycles — sometimes due to flareups and sometimes at complete randomness. All autoimmune disorders cause some chronic pain.
The known autoimmune disorders that link to peripheral neuropathy include the following:
Lupus
Lupus refers to any condition that creates inflammation and pain in multiple parts of the body due to the immune system attacking its tissue.
Rheumatoid Arthritis
This form of arthritis causes pain, stiffness, and swelling in your joints. Additionally, rheumatoid arthritis generates movement and function loss of joints. The disease can also impact the eyes, skin, heart, and blood vessels.
Psoriasis
This disease impacts the skin and causes itchy patches on the scalp, elbows, knees, and arms due to the rapid multiplication of your skin’s cells.
Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS)
A rare neurological disorder, GBS causes nerve and myelin damage. GBS can impact your motor skills and ability to walk.
Symptoms of Peripheral Neuropathy
Different people will experience various symptoms of peripheral neuropathy, but most will encounter:
- Numbness or tingling in toes or fingers
- Burning or freezing sensations
- Electric-like pain
- Sensitivity to touch
- Balance or coordination problems
- Excessive sweating
- Muscle weakness
Regain Your Life With Treatment at Neuropathy Treatment Clinics of Texas
Peripheral neuropathy caused by autoimmune diseases can take the fun out of life. Fortunately, you don’t have to rely on surgical treatments or drug therapy to manage your pain; Neuropathy Treatment Clinics of Texas offers advanced technology to address the root of your problems with the latest electric cell-signaling equipment.
You don’t have to “just deal with it” when it comes to your pain. The physician-led team at Neuropathy Treatment Clinics of Texas includes Dr. Eric Ray, MD, patient coordinators, physician assistants, and registered nurses.
When you work with our team, you can expect quick pain relief! To contact us, request an appointment online today or call (972) 441-5634.
