PERIPHERAL NEUROPATHY
Peripheral neuropathy is a disorder of the peripheral nerves—the motor, sensory and autonomic nerves that connect the spinal cord to muscles, skin and internal organs. It usually affects the hands and feet, causing weakness, numbness, tingling and pain. Peripheral neuropathy’s course is variable; it can come and go, slowly progressing over many years, or it can become severe and debilitating. However, if diagnosed early, peripheral neuropathy can often be controlled.
On Sunday, I hauled my ass out of bed went to an awareness run for Neuropathy. There is one lady in our running club who suffers from the disorder and has started a support group to help others with the condition.
I’m pretty sure that none of us really knew anything much about the disorder prior to the info that we have gleaned from Jenny G over the last several months. I’m pretty sure that none of us really wanted to get up early on a Sunday to go run in the heat but in true F’N fashion, we showed up to support a good cause.
If we have nothing, we at least have each other, right?
I did a little research via The Neuropathy Association and Medial New Today and learned a few things. All of the information below is from one of the above websites as I have zero knowledge of Neuropathy which I can call my own. Please refer to the above sites for more in-depth information or go to my favorite resource for all things medical, the Mayo Clinic website HERE.
- Neuropathy causes a weakness in the arms & legs.
- Neuropathy is characterized by tingling, numbness and pain in the extremities.
- May cause lack of coordination.
- There are over 100 types of neuropathy.
- 20 million American’s currently suffer from this disorder, ages vary.
- 30% of the cases are a side effect of diabetes, 30% are from “unknown” reasons and/or causes.
- Other non-diabetes causes include: autoimmune disorders, tumors, infections, toxins, heredity, & nutritional imbalances.
- This is treatable and will improve once any underlying causes are corrected.
- Don’t panic, it could be worse!
If you or somebody you know needs more information, please feel free to contact the Illinois Peripheral Neuropathy Support Group at ipnsg.com for more information on this disorder and how to stay active despite the numbness and pain. Remember to always be proactive with any situation!
Anything to add regarding Neuropathy? Do you have any type of disorder (that you’d like to share) that causes you constant pain when you run or cycle? Can you imagine how it would feel for each step you take to be a painful one? Okay, if you share my “love” for Plantar Fasciitis, maybe you can but that will eventually go away we hope.
**Happy PAINFREE Running ** Amanda – TooTallFritz ** amanda@tootallfritz.com
TooTallFritz 
Always get a little confused by the neuropathy definition relative to sciatica cause sometimes I feel some of those same symptoms you cite. But I recognize that neuropathy is a degenerative or damage to peripheral nerves for various reasons, whereas sciatica is sometimes similar symptoms, but from compression or constriction of the sciatic nerve, generally at the L4-L5-S1 vertebrae.
I empathize with anyone that has to tend with neural-based conditions, runner or non-runner, cause I know all-so well just how frustrating it can be to keep your run training, your racing, your life in general without running, on track.
As I sit here responding…got this annoying throbbing in L-leg backside of knee. That’s that damn sciatica and scary how degenerative disc at L5/S1 vertebrae can cause pain and discomfort behind L-knee!
Too bad I wasn’t back to running yet and knew about this race cause I definitely would have liked to show-up and support it and Jenny!
peace 2-ya-all
Great cause for an AWESOME F’N runner!! And you are right, I only associated neuropathy with diabetes-I didn’t have a clue what Peripheral Nuerapathy was.
Your style is unique compared to other folks I’ve read stuff from. Many thanks for posting when you have the opportunity, Guess I’ll just bookmark this page.
There are some food supplements that can help with neuropathy. For instance, Benfotiamine a fat soluble form of vitamin-b can help.’
Remember to stop by our own online site
http://www.healthmedicinelab.com/chest-pain-left-side/
I sent an email before I came to this spot…just a bit too eager but still hope to hear any new developments as I am coping with the bloody peripeheral neuropathy and not from diabetes. It gets to be debilitating and all the specialists have for you is neuronton. So far I’m preferring pain, imbalance and being a disabled person. Never a runner but appreciate those who turn that skill into benefit events like yours. Thaks for any response. Cordially, gp