Private Occupational Therapy and Sensory Integration | The OT Centre

Occupational Therapy for Peripheral Neuropathy

Peripheral neuropathy refers to a condition that results from damage to the peripheral nerves. These nerves are responsible for transmitting signals between the central nervous system (brain and spinal cord) and the rest of the body, including muscles, organs, and skin. When these nerves are damaged, it can lead to a variety of symptoms.

Facts

Common Difficulties associated with Peripheral Neuropathy

How can Occupational Therapy help?

Classification

There are several different types of peripheral neuropathy including;

Diabetic Neuropathy: where prolonged high blood sugar levels.
Guillain-Barre Syndrome: an autoimmune disorder where the immune system attacks the peripheral nerves
Idiopathic Neuropathy: of unknown cause.

Cause

Causes of Peripheral Neuropathy can include;

Trauma or Injury
Autoimmune disease
Infections
Nutritional deficiencies
Metabolic disorders
Vascular disorders

Risk Factors

The risk factors for Peripheral Neuropathy include age, smoking, cancer and tumours, vascular disorders, liver or kidney disorders and genetics.

Symptoms

Common symptoms of Peripheral Neuropathy include;

Tingling and Numbness
Burning and shooting pain
Sensitivity to touch
Muscle weakness
Loss of co-ordination
Changes in reflexes
Autonomic symptoms

Occupational Therapy Specialism

Occupational Therapists who specialise in assessing and treating people who have Peripheral Neuropathy are based in a branch of Occupational Therapy called Neurorehabilitation.

Common Difficulties associated with Peripheral Neuropathy

Peripheral neuropathy refers to damage or dysfunction of the peripheral nerves, which are the nerves outside the brain and spinal cord. This condition can result in a variety of symptoms and difficulties. Here are some common difficulties associated with peripheral neuropathy:

Pain and Discomfort

Peripheral neuropathy often leads to pain, tingling, burning, or numbness in the affected areas. This can be a persistent and sometimes debilitating symptom.

Sensory Changes

Changes in sensation, such as hypersensitivity to touch or decreased sensitivity, can occur. People may have difficulty feeling temperature changes, pressure, or pain.

Motor Impairment

Peripheral neuropathy can affect motor nerves, leading to muscle weakness, loss of coordination, and difficulty with fine motor skills. This can impact activities such as walking, writing, or buttoning clothes.

Balance and Coordination Issues

Nerve damage can affect proprioception (the sense of body position in space), leading to balance problems and an increased risk of falls.

Gait Abnormalities

Walking may become challenging due to muscle weakness, loss of sensation, and altered balance. This can contribute to a shuffling gait or an uneven stride.

Autonomic Nervous System Dysfunction

Some people with peripheral neuropathy experience problems with the autonomic nervous system, leading to issues such as changes in blood pressure, heart rate, digestion, and bladder control.

Sleep Disturbances

Pain and discomfort associated with peripheral neuropathy can interfere with sleep, leading to insomnia or poor sleep quality.

Emotional Impact

Chronic pain and the challenges associated with daily activities can have a significant emotional impact, leading to stress, anxiety, or depression.

Impaired Reflexes

Peripheral neuropathy may affect reflexes, leading to changes in reflex responses.

How can Occupational Therapy help?

Occupational therapy (OT) can be beneficial for individuals with peripheral neuropathy by addressing the functional limitations and challenges they may face in their daily lives. Peripheral neuropathy is a condition that affects the peripheral nerves, leading to symptoms such as pain, tingling, numbness, and muscle weakness, which can impact a person's ability to perform everyday activities. Here are several ways in which occupational therapy can help individuals with peripheral neuropathy:

Activity Modification

Occupational therapists can assess your daily activities and recommend modifications to make them more manageable. This may include changes to the way tasks are performed, the use of adaptive equipment, or suggestions for alternative techniques to minimize strain on affected areas.

Sensory Reeducation

Individuals with peripheral neuropathy often experience changes in sensation. Occupational therapists can provide sensory reeducation to improve awareness and coordination. This may involve exercises to enhance tactile perception and proprioception.

Joint Protection Techniques

Occupational therapists can teach joint protection techniques to help individuals with peripheral neuropathy avoid excessive stress on joints and reduce the risk of injury. This is particularly important for those who may have muscle weakness or limited sensation.

Balance Training

Peripheral neuropathy can contribute to balance issues, increasing the risk of falls. Occupational therapists can design exercises and activities to improve balance and coordination, reducing the risk of accidents and injuries.

Customized Exercise Programs

Developing an individualized exercise program is crucial for maintaining strength and flexibility. Occupational therapists can guide individuals through appropriate exercises that focus on improving muscle strength without causing additional stress on nerves.

Assistive Devices

Occupational therapists can recommend and train individuals in the use of assistive devices such as braces, splints, or adaptive tools to compensate for reduced hand strength or dexterity.

Pain Management Techniques

Occupational therapists may employ pain management strategies, including modalities such as heat or cold therapy, as well as techniques like relaxation exercises and mindfulness to help cope with neuropathic pain.

Energy Conservation

Individuals with peripheral neuropathy may experience fatigue more quickly due to the challenges in performing daily activities. Occupational therapists can teach energy conservation techniques to help individuals optimize their energy levels throughout the day.

Education and Coping Strategies

Occupational therapists can provide education about peripheral neuropathy, its symptoms, and strategies for coping with the condition. This may include education on lifestyle modifications, nutrition, and self-care practices.