Irritating and obstinate: Sometimes your nerves get downright nasty. Pinched nerves. Carpal tunnel syndrome. Diabetic neuropathy. These are a few of the nerve conditions that commonly afflict 20 million Americans. Yet all too often, the disorders don’t receive adequate attention, and warning signs go unrecognized or ignored.

What’s the remedy? Most definitely, timely detection is key. The best success in controlling symptoms and preventing further nerve damage comes with early treatment of neuropathy.

What is neuropathy?

An abnormality of a nerve is called neuropathy. The condition usually affects the peripheral nerves—the motor, sensory and autonomic nerves that stretch from your spinal cord to your skin, muscles, and internal organs. The longest nerves in your body are especially vulnerable. This explains why the disorder frequently starts in the toes or fingers and gradually progresses to the legs or arms.

For each type of peripheral nerve, here are some common symptoms of neuropathy:

• Sensory nerves: Numbness, in a local area or a glove or stocking distribution. Pain described as pins and needles, tingling, burning, electric-like, sharp, pinching or stabbing. Extremely amplified sensitivity to touch.
• Motor nerves: Muscle weakness or paralysis. In the legs, difficulty walking or running, tiring quickly, heaviness, lack of coordination, or stumbling. In the arms, dropping things or difficulty grooming or opening lids.
• Autonomic nerves: Bowel or bladder problems or sexual dysfunction. Dizziness when standing up or poor skin healing.

Causes of the condition

Neuropathy can occur at any age, though it happens more often in older adults. The most common cause is diabetes, which results in a third of cases. Another third of the time a cause is never found. In the remaining third of cases, common culprits include:

Nerve compression. Repeated use of a computer mouse or keyboard or spending a long time in an awkward position can kink or pinch a nerve. So can torn or tense muscles, herniated spinal discs, protruding bones or tumors.

Dietary problems. A deficiency of vitamins B6 or B12 can lead to neuropathy. Likewise, the condition may stem from inadequate nutrition related to heavy use of alcohol.

Immunity problems. Autoimmune disorders like lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, celiac disease, ulcerative colitis, and Guillain-Barre syndrome can damage peripheral nerves. Infections with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), Lyme disease, herpes and hepatitis are other possible culprits.

Drugs and toxins. Heavy metals and medications used after organ transplantation or to treat cancer can lead to neuropathy.

Other conditions. Diseases of the liver, kidney or thyroid may cause neuropathy as can hereditary disorders like Charcot-Marie-Tooth.

Are your nerves shot?

Take steps right away to sooth the symptoms and feel better. Confirming the diagnosis and treating the underlying cause can help prevent further nerve damage. Medications may also alleviate discomfort or improve sleep.

In addition, lifestyle measures help prevent or manage peripheral neuropathy. Avoid repetitive motions, prolonged pressure, and cramped positions. Exercise regularly with your doctor’s okay. Avoid exposure to toxins and tobacco, and drink only in moderation. Eat plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains and choose low-fat dairy products and lean meats.

For your feet: Wear soft cotton socks and well-padded shoes and inspect your feet daily for sores. A semicircular hoop available from medical-supply stores can keep bedcovers away from sensitive feet. Finally, try a foot massage to improve circulation and stimulate your nerves.

For more information: Neuropathy Association www.neuropathy.org.