Neuropathy in Elderly: Understanding and Managing Nerve Pain in Aging Adults

As you age, your body goes through many changes. One common change is neuropathy, a condition where nerves deteriorate or become damaged. It often leads to tingling, numbness, weakness, and pain in the hands, feet, arms, or legs. For older adults, neuropathy can impact quality of life. It would help to discuss the causes, symptoms, diagnosis, treatments, and management tips for neuropathy in seniors.

What Causes Neuropathy?

The most common cause of neuropathy in older people is diabetes. High blood sugar levels from diabetes can harm the tiny blood vessels that bring nutrients and oxygen to the nerves, keeping the nerves from getting what they need. Other causes are autoimmune diseases, infections, tumors, toxins, and inherited disorders. Often, doctors do not know the exact cause; this is what they call idiopathic neuropathy.

Recognizing the Symptoms

Some common neuropathy symptoms in seniors include:

●      Numb, tingly, or burning sensations.

●      Sharp, stabbing, or electric-like pain.

●      Muscular weakness in the feet and hands.

●      Loss of coordination and balance.

●      Increased sensitivity to touch.

●      Muscle wasting or loss of muscle tone.

The symptoms usually start slowly in the extremities and then move inward. They can range from mild discomfort to terrible pain.

Treatment Options

Treatment focuses on controlling pain, regaining movement, and slowing progression. This can be accomplished through various treatment options depending on each patient’s individual case. An assessment is performed to test a patient's blood flow as well as to determine the extent of peripheral nerve damage. Patient’s medical history, blood flow and nerve damage are taken into consideration when determining the best course of treatment.

Managing the Condition

There are many things seniors can do to manage neuropathy symptoms and improve daily functioning. These include the following:

●      Try therapies that help restore blood flow to the extremities.

●      Exercise moderately to improve strength, balance, and circulation.

●      Maintain good blood sugar control and eat a healthy diet.

●      Avoid extreme temperatures, both hot and cold.

●      Check feet daily and wear properly fitted shoes.

●      Quit smoking to improve circulation.

●      Join a support group to connect with others dealing with neuropathy.

For more on neuropathy in aging adults, visit Pleasant Life Health Center at our office in Daniel Island, South Carolina. Call (843) 428-7900 to schedule an appointment today.

https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/14737-peripheral-neuropathy

https://www.aafp.org/pubs/afp/issues/2020/1215/p732.html