Peripheral neuropathy often occurs in five stages, starting with sporadic pain and numbness during stage one, and ending with a complete loss of feeling in the feet and lower legs by stage five. The in-between stages are characterized by more frequent pain in stage two, pain that reaches its peak during stage three, followed by constant numbness of the affected areas throughout stage four. The different stages of neuropathy are not always easy to recognize, which is why it’s important to understand how the condition progresses in order to take the right measures to prevent the continuation of this debilitating condition.
Stage one of neuropathy is characterized by sporadic pain and numbness. Symptoms are generally mild and subtle and are most often caused by excessive sugar consumption. It is therefore recommended that you make some dietary adjustments, like cutting back on junk food, carbohydrates, and sweets. During this first stage, the pain and numbness tend to come and go. Additional symptoms include loss of balance and poor reflexes, though this is typically minor so there is no cause for concern. Some may go weeks or even months between experiencing symptoms.
Stage two of neuropathy is characterized by more frequent pain and more regular symptoms than in stage one. The pain is more severe and the numbness is more consistent, making it harder to ignore these symptoms. Most sufferers will book an appointment with a doctor at some point during this stage since the pain is now extreme enough for them to know that something is wrong. This is a very important stage of neuropathy, since it is considered to be the last chance to treat whatever underlying condition is causing the neuropathy before the nerve damage becomes permanent.
Stage three of neuropathy is characterized by pain reaching its highest point. The pain is usually daily and so significant that it impacts your day-to-day life. Given that the pain is at an all-time high, this is typically when individuals start taking neuropathy medication to manage it. Other symptoms of nerve damage may also be present, such as not feeling injuries to the feet and lower legs, and taking longer to heal from cuts and wounds which can lead to infection. By this middle stage, some of the nerve damage may be able to be reversed, but much of it will likely be permanent.
Stage four of neuropathy is characterized by constant numbness of the affected areas, due to the fact that there are not enough healthy nerves left to carry signals to the brain. Because the nerves are dying, this will significantly reduce the pain. As a result, sufferers will experience a greater loss of balance and may find it difficult to walk. Other medical issues may be present as well, such as kidney damage and loss of eyesight.
Stage five of neuropathy is characterized by a total loss of feeling in the feet and lower legs. Sufferers may require a wheelchair to get around since the lack of nerves in the feet makes it impossible to walk without assistance. The risk of amputation is high, as is the risk for a number of other complications. By this stage, the nerves are permanently damaged and can never be fully restored, but some of the nerve fibers may be able to be regenerated.