【Common Diseases】Neuropathy
🧠 What is neuropathy?
Neuropathy generally refers to damage or dysfunction of the nervous system , which can affect the peripheral nerves, autonomic nerves, sensory nerves or motor nerves.
In Hong Kong, common causes include:
- Diabetes (most common)
- Long-term alcoholism
- Nutritional deficiencies (especially B vitamins)
- Side effects of medications (such as chemotherapy drugs)
- Long-term compression of nerves (eg, due to a herniated disk)
- Autoimmune diseases (such as lupus erythematosus)
🔎 Symptoms
Editor's note : Symptoms of different types of neuropathy can vary greatly, but common symptoms include:
- Numbness or tingling (most commonly in the hands and feet)
- Burning or cutting sensation
- Muscle weakness or twitching
- Insensitivity and easy injury
- Decreased sense of balance
- Abnormal sweating, blood pressure fluctuations, and indigestion (when the autonomic nervous system is affected)
🏥 Common treatment methods in Hong Kong
A reminder : Once nerve damage occurs, full recovery is difficult, so early detection and targeted treatment are crucial. The following information is compiled from the Hong Kong Hospital Authority, private doctors, and international medical journals.
1. Treatment targeting the cause
- Diabetes control : Slow down the progression of nerve damage through diet management, medications (such as metformin, insulin), and regular blood sugar monitoring.
- Abstaining from alcohol and nutritional supplements : especially supplementing vitamins B1, B6, and B12 , help maintain nerve function.
- Stop or change medications that may cause nerve damage (discuss this with your doctor).
- Treat compressive causes , such as a herniated disk, and consider physical therapy or surgery.
2. Symptom control
- Analgesics : including general analgesics (acetaminophen), antiepileptic drugs (such as gabapentin, pregabalin) and antidepressants (such as duloxetine, amitriptyline).
- Topical medications : Capsaicin cream, lidocaine patch.
- Physical therapy : This may include electrical stimulation (TENS), heat, and stretching exercises.
3. Life and Care Advice (Common Advice for Hong Kong Medical Care)
- Wear comfortable shoes and socks to avoid foot injuries (especially for people with diabetes).
- Check your feet daily for damage or infection.
- Avoid maintaining a posture for a long time to reduce local nerve compression.
- Eat a balanced diet with adequate protein and vitamins.
- Moderate exercise can promote blood circulation and muscle strength.
💡 Treatment pathways in Hong Kong
- Public hospitals/general outpatient clinics : Referral to neurology, endocrinology or pain management by a doctor.
- Private clinics : Nerve conduction studies, MRI and other imaging tests can be arranged more quickly.
- Combination of Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine : Some patients choose acupuncture and massage as auxiliary treatments, but the effects vary from person to person and should be combined with Western medicine treatments while paying attention to safety.
🧾 Editor's Tips
- Do not stop or change medication on your own , especially if you have diabetes, hypertension, or heart disease.
- Follow up regularly to track changes in neurological function.
- Symptom log : Record the location, time and cause of pain to help doctors adjust treatment plans.
- Psychological support : Chronic nerve pain may affect your mood. There are psychological counselling and pain support groups in Hong Kong where you can seek help.
💬Editor’s summary :
The focus of neuropathy treatment isn't just on relieving pain; it's on identifying the cause, managing the condition, and improving quality of life . While Hong Kong's medical resources are limited, targeted treatment options are available in both the public and private sectors. Early treatment increases the chances of avoiding long-term pain and functional impairment.
📌 Disclaimer <br>This article is for reference only and does not constitute any medical advice. It is sourced from major medical articles.
