Polyneuropathy in the Feet: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment

Polyneuropati är en sjukdom som påverkar flera av kroppens nerver

Polyneuropathy is a disease that affects multiple nerves in the body, often starting in the feet. This nerve disease affects both sensation and movement, and can also affect the autonomic nerves that control the body's internal functions. This article reviews the most common symptoms, causes, and treatment options for polyneuropathy in the feet.

What is polyneuropathy and how does it affect the feet?

Polyneuropathy is a nerve disease that affects multiple nerves at the same time. It often affects the longest nerves in the body first, which explains why symptoms often begin in the feet. The disease attacks the nerve fibers, especially the outermost ones, and affects both sensation and motor functions.

There are several varieties of polyneuropathy, including:

  • Diabetic neuropathy (most common cause)
  • Hereditary polyneuropathy (where Skellefteå disease is an uncommon form of polyneuropathy in Sweden)
  • Inflammatory polyneuropathy, such as Guillain-Barré syndrome
  • Idiopathic polyneuropathy, where no underlying cause can be found

Polyneuropathy is caused by damage to the peripheral nerves that can spread symmetrically on both sides of the body and often affects both feet at the same time. In some cases, nerve damage can also occur in the foot .

Common symptoms of polyneuropathy in the feet

Common symptoms of polyneuropathy include:

  • Reduced sensation and numbness in both feet
  • Tingling and burning sensation in the feet and hands
  • Feeling of walking on cushions (cushion sensation)
  • Pain, especially with temperature changes
  • Dry skin on the feet
  • Balance problems that make it difficult to walk
  • Muscle weakness in the feet and lower legs
  • Worse sensation in the feet to touch
  • Burning and stinging sensations
  • Numbness that usually begins in the nerves of the legs
  • Easy to stumble due to impaired proprioception
  • Also autonomic symptoms such as effects on sweating and blood pressure

Many patients describe symptoms starting with a slight feeling of numbness in the toes or sole of the foot and then gradually spreading up the legs. Symptoms often occur first in the legs and feet before eventually spreading to other parts of the body. This can be reminiscent of burning feet .

Underlying causes of different forms of polyneuropathy

Polyneuropathy can be caused by several factors:

  • Diabetes (diabetic neuropathy) – the most common cause of polyneuropathy
  • Vitamin deficiency, especially B12
  • Alcohol abuse
  • Certain medications that can damage nerves
  • Autoimmune diseases
  • Infections
  • Hereditary factors (the most common cause of hereditary polyneuropathy is Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease)
  • Exposure to toxins, including heavy metals and nitrous oxide
  • Chronic diseases such as kidney failure or liver disease
  • Other diseases that can cause similar symptoms

In about 30% of cases, no clear cause is found, and the condition is called idiopathic neuropathy or idiopathic polyneuropathy. It is important to try to identify the underlying cause in order to direct treatment correctly. Some causes can also resemble conditions such as diabetic foot .

Diagnosis and treatment of polyneuropathy: How it works

Diagnosmetod Behandlingsalternativ Fördelar med kompressionsstrumpor
Neurologisk undersökning Behandling av grundorsaken Förbättrar blodcirkulationen
Nervledningstest (elektroneurografi) Smärtlindring med läkemedel Minskar svullnad och obehag
Blodprov Fysioterapi Ger stöd under dagliga aktiviteter
Biopsi vid behov Arbetsterapi Hjälper vid venösa problem
Utredning för att skilja polyneuropati från andra tillstånd Rehabiliteringsteam vara av värde Förebygger hudskador
För att ställa diagnosen polyneuropati krävs en noggrann neurologisk undersökning tillsammans med patientens sjukdomshistoria. Elektroneurografi kan användas för att mäta nervernas ledningshastighet och funktion. Blodprover används för att identifiera bakomliggande orsaker som diabetes eller vitaminbrist.
Hur kompressionsstrumpor hjälper vid brännande fötter och varma fötter

How compression stockings can relieve the symptoms of polyneuropathy

Compression stockings from Komforten can be an effective aid for polyneuropathy by:

  • Improve blood circulation in the feet and legs
  • Reduce swelling and discomfort that can worsen symptoms
  • Provide support during daily activities to reduce strain
  • Potentially relieve some symptoms such as tingling and burning sensation
  • Help protect the skin on your feet from damage
  • Improve balance by providing proprioceptive feedback

Many patients with polyneuropathy find that compression stockings provide significant relief, especially for autonomic symptoms that affect blood circulation. For people who have difficulty walking due to polyneuropathy, compression stockings, in combination with other aids, can improve stability and reduce the risk of falls.

Buy now

Research on polyneuropathy and future treatments

Polyneuropathy of the feet is a complex condition that requires professional diagnosis and treatment. While the underlying cause must be addressed, symptomatic treatment and supportive measures such as the use of compression stockings can help improve the quality of life for people with polyneuropathy. It is important to consult a doctor for a proper diagnosis and individualized treatment plan.

According to news about polyneuropathy and research on polyneuropathy supported by, among others, the Swedish Neurological Association for its research, progress is being made in understanding the disease and new treatment methods are being developed continuously. This development gives hope for better treatment options in the future.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)