UREMIC NEUROPATHY

What is Uremic Neuropathy?

Uremic neuropathy is a type of neuropathy that affects patients with advanced kidney disease or end-stage kidney disease patients who are on dialysis. The nerve damage in uremic neuropathy may be permanent and gets worse over time. It may be related to nutrient imbalances, aspects of dialysis, or common overlapping conditions.

Symptoms checklist:

Sensation of tingling, burning, skin-crawling, itching, “pins and needles” or numbness in the lower extremities (hip, thigh, knee, leg, ankle, and foot).

TINGLING

Weakness of the lower extremities.

WEAKNESS

Muscle cramps and restless legs syndrome.

MUSCLE CRAMPS

Dizziness

DIZZINESS

Imbalance

IMBALANCE

Diminished reflexes

DIMINISHED REFLEXES

Pain, numbness or tingling in the a joint like your wrist, elbow or ankle.

PAIN

Inability to move a limb, lift your hand or foot, or grasp or hold onto items.

INABILITY TO MOVE

What medical specialists manage Uremic Neuropathy?

A team of healthcare professionals usually manages patients with uremic neuropathy. These include:

General practitioner/Internist

Nephrologist

Dietitian

Neurologist

Self-Care Tips:

Make healthy food choices. Eat a balanced diet that includes a variety of healthy foods especially vegetables, fruits and whole grains. Limit portion sizes to help achieve or maintain a healthy weight and control your blood sugar.

Keeping accurate records can help you and your healthcare team stay on track.

Take all of your medications every day and exactly as directed. If you are having trouble taking your medications or if you experience side effects, let your healthcare team know.

Eat healthy foods. Most people with kidney disease need to be careful with foods that contain high amounts of certain minerals, such as potassium, sodium, and phosphorus. You may also need to keep track of how much fluid you drink each day. Protein needs are affected by the stage of chronic kidney disease or type of dialysis you are on. Getting all the vitamins and nutrients you need is also important.

Be active every day. Exercise helps lower blood sugar, improves blood flow and keeps your heart healthy. Aim for 150 minutes of moderate or 75 minutes of vigorous aerobic activity a week, or a combination of moderate and vigorous exercise. It’s also a good idea to take a break from sitting every 30 minutes to get a few quick bursts of activity.

Talk with your doctor before you start exercising. If you have decreased feeling in your legs, some types of exercise, such as walking, may be safer than others. If you have a foot injury or sore, stick with exercise that doesn’t require putting weight on your injured foot.

References:

https://www.verywellhealth.com/neuropathy-in-patients-with-kidney-disease-4019578#:~:text=Unfortunately%2C%20neuropathy%20is%20very%20common,and%20get%20worse%20over%20time.
https://emedicine.medscape.com/article/1175425-clinical
https://www.kidney.org/sites/default/files/7_ways_to_help_manage_ckd.pdf

Disclaimer: The information provided is for general informational purposes only and should not be considered as medical advice. It is important to consult with a qualified healthcare professional or physician to determine the specific tests and treatment options suitable for your type of neuropathy. Each individual’s condition may vary, and a healthcare professional can provide personalized guidance based on your medical history, symptoms, and other relevant factors. Always seek the advice of a physician or other qualified healthcare provider regarding any medical condition or treatment.