What is it?

The word neuritis suggests something to do with the nerves in the body. Be it a single nerve or a series of nerves. At times, several different groups of nerves in various parts of the body may be involved. This condition is known as polyneuritis. The severity of the disease depends on the affected areas of the nervous system.

There are many different types of neuritis, such as: optic neuritis, vestibular neuritis, neuritis radiculitis, and many others. Optical neuritis affects the eyes, but the concept is similar, and each form of neuritis will require a specialist for that type. Podiatrists treat neuritis of the foot, which includes medial plantar neuritis (commonly referred to as heel neuritis), digital neuritis, and deep peroneal neuritis. It is possible for more than one area of the body to be affected at once, and so it should be evaluated by a doctor directly, regardless of the area it has affected. Although neuritis is also referred to as an inflammation of sorts, it is actually a change in the nervous system resulting in pain, changes of sensations, weakness, and loss of reflexes.

Symptoms of Neuritis

The main symptoms of neuritis are:

• A tingling or burning sensation and stabbing pains.
• In worse cases, there may be numbness and paralysis of the adjoining muscles.
• During beginning stages, patients may experience loss of muscle tone due to atrophy.
• The patient suffering from this condition may find it increasingly difficult to walk.

Peripheral neuritis is caused when certain diseases like AIDS, diabetes, alcoholism and nutrition deficiencies affect the peripheral nervous system. And a mild form of peripheral neuritis may occur if too much pressure is put on a single nerve for too long. When a person is afflicted with peripheral neuritis, the symptoms include itching and pain in the affected areas, and a general tiredness and feeling of weakness.

Causes of Neuritis

Neuritis’ number one cause is linked to chronic acidosis, known as well as excessive acid located in the blood and other bodily fluids. Bodily fluids should be neutral in their reaction, but due to long term poor diet, acid waste continuously forms in the tissues, causing acidosis. Other poor habits of living, work, stress, etc. can result in the breakdown of the nervous system and contribute to the ailment. Additionally, it can be caused by nutritional deficiencies, i.e. calcium levels and vitamins B12, B6, B1 and B2.

Neuritis can be caused too by any type of blow or force, which had resulted in bad bruises or heavy pressure over a system of nerves. Dislocation and fractured/broken bones may have the same cause and effect. Other causes may include sprains and over exerting or overextending, resulting in tearing or other injury to the nerves. Furthermore, diseases like tuberculosis, diphtheria, tetanus, diabetes mellitus, leprosy, and insecticide poisoning, can bring it about.

Treatment

The cure for neuritis cases varies. In the case of optic and peripheral neuritis, the specific causes can be treated. The cure for peripheral neuritis depends on the disease that causes it, once that is cured, the neuritis should clear up without lasting effects. However, sometimes neuritis is never cured. For example, if the stress of a person is never relieved, then acidosis in the body continues, and therefore the neuritis continues. On the other hand, if the cause is simple like a vitamin deficiency, then that is easily curable with vitamins. Painkillers can provide some relief, but they don’t cure neuritis, and prolonged use puts the kidneys and heart in danger. Some people have found great success curing neuritis via diet. A steady intake of vitamin B is also a good treatment especially vitamins B1, B2, B6 and B12. The trouble with most foods nowadays is that they are filled with preservatives and chemicals that keep bringing acid into the body’s tissues. Other methods that would help this condition are exercise/stretches, electrical therapy, aqua therapy and massage therapy.

 Remember, it’s not just vices like smoking that are unhealthy; overwork also puts a lot of stress on your body. Whatever the case, one should remember to eat well and live a healthy life.