Tired of Dealing with Neuropathy?
Neuropathy symptoms can disrupt your everyday activities, from walking safely to sleeping soundly. At Origin Rehabilitation in Mint Hill, we help individuals manage peripheral neuropathy with skilled, evidence-based physical therapy focused on improving mobility, balance, and quality of life.
What is Neuropathy?
Neuropathy refers to nerve damage, usually in the peripheral nerves that carry signals to and from the brain and spinal cord. The most common form is peripheral neuropathy, which typically affects the feet and hands.
It can be caused by conditions like diabetes, chemotherapy, autoimmune diseases, or vitamin deficiencies. Symptoms may start slowly and worsen over time, affecting your ability to feel the ground beneath your feet or complete tasks with your hands.
What Causes Neuropathy?
Neuropathy occurs when nerves are damaged or dysfunctional, disrupting the way they communicate with the brain, muscles, and other parts of the body. One of the most common causes is diabetes, which can lead to chronically high blood sugar levels that damage nerves over time. In fact, diabetic neuropathy is one of the leading causes of peripheral nerve issues in the United States.
Other causes of neuropathy include chemotherapy, autoimmune diseases such as lupus or rheumatoid arthritis, chronic alcohol use, and certain infections. Nerve compression from disc problems or tight muscles can also contribute to symptoms. Poor circulation, vitamin deficiencies (especially B12), and exposure to toxins may further increase the risk.
In some cases, the cause of neuropathy is unknown — referred to as idiopathic neuropathy. Even when a specific cause can’t be identified, physical therapy can still provide effective strategies for symptom management, improving strength, sensation, and stability to support daily function.
