Risk Factors for Developing Peripheral Neuropathy
When it comes to developing nerve damage, certain people are at a higher risk than others. The experts at Neuropathy Treatment Clinics of Texas are here to outline what health conditions can leave you more likely to develop peripheral neuropathy.
Poorly Managed Diabetes
As the name suggests, diabetic peripheral neuropathy is nerve damage brought on by a poorly managed diabetic condition. This condition tends to develop slowly, worsening over time. It is theorized that having high blood sugar and constricted blood vessels causes damage to the nerves in the arms, hands, legs, and feet.
Chemotherapy
Some of the drugs used during chemotherapy for cancer treatment can lead to the development of nerve damage. This is called chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN).
The more common chemotherapy drugs that can cause CIPN include:
- Platinum drugs
- Taxanes
- Plant alkaloids
- Immunomodulating drugs (IMiDs)
- Proteasome inhibitors
HIV/AIDS
Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) is another common cause of peripheral neuropathy. In fact, about 33% of patients with HIV/AIDS also have peripheral neuropathy.
While nerve damage can be caused by the virus itself, it can also be brought on by the drugs used for treatment. These drugs include:
- ddI: Didanosine
- ddC: Zalcitabine
- d4T: Stavudine
Other Risk Factors
Other risk factors for developing peripheral neuropathy include:
- Alcohol
- Hereditary disorders
- Infection
- Medications
- Kidney failure
- Toxins
- Vitamin and nutrient deficiencies
Neuropathy Treatment in Addison & Tyler
Peripheral neuropathy can cause pain, tingling, and numbness that negatively affect your quality of life. Fortunately, you don’t have to rely on drug therapy to simply manage your pain; advanced technology can help to address the root of the problem. At Neuropathy Treatment Clinics of Texas, we provide our patients with drug-free, customized treatment plans that utilize electric cell signaling treatment (ECST) to help regenerate damaged nerve tissue.
Don’t continue to put up with your neuropathy symptoms. Call (972) 441-5634 to schedule an appointment with our team of specialists today.
