Peripheral Neuropathies and Preventing Falls

Peripheral neuropathy is a condition that affects the nerves outside the brain and spinal cord, known as peripheral nerves. These nerves connect the central nervous system to the rest of the body, helping you move, feel, and maintain balance. When these nerves are damaged, it can lead to various symptoms, including weakness, numbness, and pain, especially in the hands and feet.

Let's dive deeper into what peripheral neuropathy is, and most importantly, how it can lead to falls and what you can do to prevent them.

Peripheral neuropathy occurs when there's damage to the peripheral nerves. These nerves play a crucial role in sending sensory information (like temperature, pain, and touch) to the brain and controlling muscle movements. When they are damaged, these functions are impaired, leading to symptoms that can significantly affect daily life.

There are several types of peripheral neuropathy, based on the types of nerves affected:

Sensory Neuropathy: Affects the sensory nerves, causing symptoms like numbness, tingling, and pain, “pins and needles”.

Motor Neuropathy: Affects the motor nerves, leading to muscle weakness, cramps, and twitching.

Autonomic Neuropathy: Affects the autonomic nerves, which control involuntary functions like blood pressure, heart rate, and digestion. Symptoms can include dizziness, bladder problems, and digestive issues.

Mixed Neuropathy: A combination of sensory, motor, and autonomic neuropathy.

Peripheral neuropathy can result from various factors, including:

Diabetes: High blood sugar levels can damage nerves over time.

Infections: Certain infections like Lyme disease, shingles, and HIV can cause neuropathy.

Autoimmune Diseases: Conditions like lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, and Guillain-Barre syndrome can lead to nerve damage.

Vitamin Deficiencies: Lack of vitamins B1, B6, B12, E, and niacin can cause neuropathy.

Chronic Alcoholism: Excessive alcohol consumption can lead to nerve damage.

Toxins: Exposure to toxic substances like heavy metals and certain medications can cause neuropathy.

Trauma or Injury: Physical injury to nerves can result in neuropathy.

Peripheral neuropathy can significantly impact our balance and coordination, increasing the risk of falls. Here are some ways it can contribute to falls:

Loss of Sensation: Numbness in the feet can make it difficult to feel the ground, leading to missteps and falls. Sensation from our feet informs our spinal cord and our brain about our situational balance way before our other senses pick up on it. If we are swayed too far in one direction or another, this information causes an early corrective response and never lose balance. Peripheral neuropathy delays or pollutes this information, causing the needed reaction to be delayed or nonexistent. This is the biggest reason for peripheral neuropathy-related falls.

Muscle Weakness: Weakness in the legs can affect your ability to walk steadily.

Impaired Reflexes: Damaged nerves can slow your reflexes, making it harder to catch yourself if you trip.

Balance Issues: Neuropathy can affect your balance, making it challenging to stay upright.

Preventing falls is crucial, especially if you have peripheral neuropathy.

Manage Your Condition.

Monitor Blood Sugar Levels: If you have diabetes, keep your blood sugar levels in check to prevent further nerve damage. Finch Q can be your number 1 asset in this task,

Stay Active: Regular exercise can strengthen your muscles, improve your balance, and enhance overall nerve function. Finch Q will help you track this.

Healthy Diet: Ensure you get enough vitamins and nutrients to support nerve health.

Clear Pathways: Keep your home free of clutter and remove any tripping hazards.

Good Lighting: Ensure your home is well-lit, especially stairways and hallways. Remember your Apple Watch has a flashlight feature for those middle-of-the-night restroom trips.

Handrails and Grab Bars: Install handrails on stairs and grab bars in the bathroom for additional support.

Walking Aids: Consider using canes or walkers for added stability when needed. Finch Q can be a great ally in this area if you are not certain. Another option is to print a Doctor's Report (Physical Therapy) and bring it to your healthcare provider.

Footwear: Wear well-fitting, non-slip shoes to reduce the risk of slipping.

See Your Doctor: Regular check-ups can help monitor your condition and adjust treatments as needed.

Foot Care: Pay special attention to foot care to avoid injuries that can worsen neuropathy.

Finch Q can help monitor your gait and provide alerts if it detects abnormalities, helping you take proactive steps to prevent falls.

While peripheral neuropathy cannot always be cured, treatments can help manage symptoms and improve quality of life:

Medications: Pain relievers, anti-seizure medications, and antidepressants can help manage nerve pain.

Physical Therapy: Exercises can improve muscle strength, balance, and coordination.

Lifestyle Changes: Healthy eating, regular exercise, and avoiding alcohol can help manage symptoms.

Alternative Therapies: Acupuncture, massage, and chiropractic care may provide relief for some people.

Peripheral neuropathy can be challenging, but understanding the condition and taking proactive steps can help manage symptoms and prevent falls. By staying informed, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, and using tools like the Finch Q, you can enhance your safety and well-being. If you suspect you have peripheral neuropathy, consult your healthcare provider for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan. Stay safe and stay active!