Peripheral Neuropathy
Comfort, Control, and Care for Your Nerves
Peripheral neuropathy affects the nerves outside the brain and spinal cord, commonly in the hands and feet.
It can cause numbness, tingling, burning sensations, sharp pain, or muscle weakness. Adults over 50 are at higher risk due to aging, chronic conditions, or nerve-damaging factors. Symptoms can limit mobility, reduce coordination, and impact daily tasks, affecting independence and quality of life. Early recognition and proactive management are essential to protect nerve health and maintain comfort.
About
Peripheral Neuropathy
Overview:
Affects peripheral nerves, commonly in hands and feet.
Causes tingling, numbness, burning, sharp pain, or muscle weakness.
More common in adults over 50 due to aging and chronic conditions.
Symptoms:
Numbness, tingling, or prickling sensations.
Sharp, burning, or electric-like pain.
Muscle weakness, poor coordination, and balance issues.
Causes & Risk Factors:
Diabetes, vitamin deficiencies, infections, autoimmune disorders.
Age-related nerve decline, medications, alcohol, toxins.
Genetics and lifestyle factors.
Complications:
Permanent nerve damage if untreated.
Increased risk of injuries, falls, and ulcers.
Emotional impact: anxiety, depression, sleep disturbances.
Daily Management:
Maintain blood sugar and proper nutrition.
Gentle exercise and physiotherapy for circulation and muscle strength.
Foot care, supportive footwear, and injury prevention.
Understanding Peripheral Neuropathy
Peripheral neuropathy is a condition affecting the peripheral nerves—the nerves outside the brain and spinal cord. It most commonly impacts the hands and feet, disrupting sensation and movement. Over time, nerve damage can lead to tingling, numbness, burning sensations, or sharp pain. Adults over 50 are particularly susceptible due to aging, chronic illnesses like diabetes, or exposure to nerve-damaging factors. Living with neuropathy can make everyday activities challenging, affecting independence and confidence.
Symptoms and Daily Impact
Symptoms of peripheral neuropathy vary widely. Many experience numbness or tingling in the extremities, while others feel sharp, burning, or electric-like pain. Muscle weakness and loss of coordination may also occur, increasing the risk of falls or injuries. Daily tasks such as walking, climbing stairs, or gripping objects can become difficult, limiting mobility and reducing quality of life. Acknowledging these challenges is important to encourage proactive care.
Causes and Risk Factors
Peripheral neuropathy can arise from several causes, including diabetes, vitamin deficiencies, autoimmune diseases, infections, kidney or liver disease, and certain medications. Age-related decline in nerve function also increases susceptibility. Genetics and lifestyle factors, such as alcohol use or prolonged exposure to toxins, can further contribute. Identifying the root cause is essential for effective management and prevention of further nerve damage.
Long-Term Considerations
If left untreated, peripheral neuropathy can result in permanent nerve damage, chronic pain, or mobility limitations. Numbness in the feet and hands raises the risk of cuts, burns, and falls, which can lead to more serious complications. Emotional and mental health can also be affected, with anxiety, depression, and sleep disturbances commonly reported. Regular monitoring and early intervention are key to minimizing long-term impact and maintaining independence.
Lifestyle and Daily Management
Daily strategies can help protect nerve health and reduce symptoms. Maintaining blood sugar control, ensuring adequate vitamin intake (especially B vitamins), gentle exercise, and injury prevention are critical. Foot care, supportive footwear, and avoiding prolonged pressure on affected areas can also improve comfort. For older adults, these habits can support mobility, prevent complications, and enhance quality of life.
Key Facts:
Affects sensory, motor, and sometimes autonomic nerves, impacting movement, sensation, and reflexes.
Symptoms can be symmetrical (both feet or hands) or localized to one area.
Pain may worsen at night, interfering with sleep and daily comfort.
Early detection improves management and prevents progression.
Commonly linked to diabetes, vitamin deficiencies (B1, B6, B12), autoimmune conditions, and chronic kidney disease.
Lifestyle factors like smoking, excessive alcohol, and poor diet can increase risk.
Proper foot care and footwear can prevent injuries caused by numbness or reduced sensation.
Gentle daily movement and physiotherapy support circulation, muscle strength, and coordination.
Regular medical check-ups and monitoring of symptoms are key for long-term nerve health.
Emotional and psychological support can help manage stress, anxiety, or depression linked to chronic pain.
Before
After
The Prosalud Vibrotherapy Solution
Evidence-Based Approach
ProSalud's solution integrates daily physiotherapy with heated vibrotherapy, grounded in clinical research demonstrating their efficacy in managing peripheral neuropathy.
Whole-Body Vibration (WBV): A 2020 study published in Diabetes Research and Clinical Practice found that WBV significantly reduced pain associated with diabetic peripheral neuropathy over a two- and four-week interval .PubMed+1
Local Vibration Therapy: Research in the Journal of Rehabilitation Research and Development indicates that localized vibration therapy improved nerve function and reduced pain in individuals with diabetic neuropathy .PMC
Physiotherapy: A 2021 systematic review concluded that exercise and manual therapy are beneficial for people with diabetic peripheral neuropathy, enhancing strength, mobility, and function .Active Ability+1
Mechanisms of Action
The combined use of physiotherapy and heated vibrotherapy targets multiple pathways to alleviate symptoms of peripheral neuropathy:
Enhanced Circulation: Vibration therapy stimulates blood flow, improving oxygen and nutrient delivery to nerve tissues.
Nerve Stimulation: Mechanical vibration may activate sensory receptors, promoting nerve regeneration and function.
Pain Modulation: Vibration and heat can influence pain pathways, reducing the perception of chronic neuropathic pain.
Muscle Engagement: Physiotherapy exercises maintain muscle tone, joint mobility, and balance, supporting overall function.
Safety and Feasibility
Clinical trials have assessed the safety and feasibility of vibration therapy for neuropathy. Findings suggest that vibration therapy is generally safe when administered correctly, with minimal adverse effects. However, it's essential for individuals to consult healthcare providers before starting any new therapy to ensure suitability and safety.
Practical Application
ProSalud's solution is designed for daily use at home, allowing individuals to incorporate therapy into their routines. Regular sessions of physiotherapy combined with heated vibrotherapy can lead to sustained improvements in symptoms, enhancing quality of life and supporting long-term nerve health.
Medical Advice & Supporting Research
Understanding Peripheral Neuropathy in Adults Over 50
Prevalence and Impact
Peripheral neuropathy (PN) is a condition affecting the peripheral nervous system, leading to symptoms such as numbness, tingling, pain, and weakness, primarily in the hands and feet. In the UK, it's estimated that nearly 1 in 10 individuals aged 55 or over are affected by peripheral neuropathy . Globally, the prevalence of PN increases with age, with studies indicating that up to 50% of adults over 85 may be affected.
Symptoms and Daily Challenges
The symptoms of peripheral neuropathy can significantly impact daily life. Common manifestations include:
Numbness or tingling sensations in the extremities
Burning or stabbing pain
Muscle weakness and loss of coordination
Increased sensitivity to touch
These symptoms can lead to difficulties in walking, maintaining balance, and performing routine tasks, thereby affecting the overall quality of life.
Causes and Risk Factors
Peripheral neuropathy can result from various underlying conditions, including:
Diabetes mellitus: One of the most common causes, leading to diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN)
Vitamin deficiencies: Particularly B vitamins, which are crucial for nerve health.
Chronic alcohol use: Can lead to alcoholic neuropathy.
Autoimmune diseases: Such as rheumatoid arthritis.
Infections: Including shingles and HIV.
Exposure to toxins: Such as heavy metals or certain medications.
Age is a significant risk factor, with older adults experiencing a higher incidence of PN due to cumulative exposure to these risk factors over time.
Physiotherapy: A Cornerstone of Management
Physiotherapy plays a vital role in managing peripheral neuropathy, especially in older adults. Tailored physiotherapy programs aim to:
Enhance muscle strength: Counteracting weakness and improving mobility.
Improve balance and coordination: Reducing the risk of falls.
Increase circulation: Promoting nerve health and function.
Alleviate pain: Through various therapeutic techniques.
A study published in the Journal of Rehabilitation Research and Development found that physiotherapy interventions significantly improved balance and reduced pain in individuals with diabetic neuropathy.
Heated Vibrotherapy: Emerging Evidence
Heated vibrotherapy, which combines mechanical vibration with therapeutic heat, is gaining attention as a non-invasive treatment for peripheral neuropathy. Research indicates that this modality can:
Enhance blood flow: Improving oxygen and nutrient delivery to nerve tissues.
Stimulate nerve function: Potentially promoting nerve regeneration.
Reduce pain: Alleviating discomfort associated with neuropathy.
A study published in The Foundation for Peripheral Neuropathy Journal found that vibration therapy improved nerve function and reduced pain in individuals with diabetic neuropathy.
The Prosalud Company massager is engineered as a therapeutic instrument for home use, combining low‑frequency vibration that activates deep muscle fibres with controlled heat to maximise relaxation and circulation.