Nearly 60 million Americans suffer from arthritis. Many more are not diagnosed but may have the condition. Over 20 million Americans have neuropathy. This is nerve damage or injury that causes pain, tingling and numbness.
Both neuropathy and arthritis can happen in isolation, but they can also have different causes or sources. There are patients who have both arthritis and neuropathy. Medical data shows that the two conditions can sometimes be linked.
Arthritis
Arthritis, which is the result of damage or destruction to the protective cartilage layer in joints, is a leading cause of stiffness and joint pain. Although arthritis is often thought of as one condition, there are many types of arthritis. Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and Osteoarthritis (OA)
Neuropathy
Neuropathy refers to damage to nerves located outside the brain and spinal cord. Neuropathy, also known as peripheral neuropathy, can often cause symptoms radiating in the limbs. These symptoms include:
- A dull ache
- Pain in sharp, shock-like bursts
- Tingling or numbness
- Feel the heat
- Loss of coordination or movement
- Nerve damage can be permanent if it is not treated properly.
The Link Between Neuropathy and Arthritis
Rheumatoid Arthritis is the most common cause of neuropathy-related arthritis. As many as 85% of RA sufferers also have neuropathy.
Researchers don’t know why these two problems are connected. Researchers do know that nerve problems are more common in those with severe rheumatoid and long-term RA.
Some nerve symptoms could be due to joint deformity in RA or nerve pressure from nodules, which can form in people with RA. Nerve symptoms and nerve damage have been also linked to medications used to treat autoimmune conditions.
A medical professional wrote this article at Florida Medical Pain Management. Florida Medical Pain Management is proud to offer comprehensive pain management services to a diverse group of patients.
Patients at Florida Medical Pain Management can get help managing hip, knee, leg, and neck pain. The practice also offers comprehensive arthritis management, along with treatments for auto accidents, sports, and work injuries as well as ketamine infusion therapy.
