Statistically one in three seniors over 70 will get peripheral neuropathy

[Rimmer]

Statistically one in three seniors over 70 will get peripheral neuropathy

 

This is generally an accurate statistic. Peripheral neuropathy is notably prevalent among older adults, with studies indicating that approximately 30% of individuals aged 70 and above experience this condition. This high prevalence is attributed to age-related factors and the increased incidence of underlying conditions such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and other chronic illnesses that can damage peripheral nerves .PMC

Peripheral neuropathy in older adults can lead to symptoms like numbness, tingling, and balance issues, significantly impacting mobility and increasing the risk of falls . Given its prevalence and potential complications, it's crucial for healthcare providers to monitor for signs of neuropathy in the elderly, even in those without diabetes.Pavilion Health

Caring for peripheral neuropathy focuses on managing symptoms, slowing progression, and improving quality of life. Here’s a solid breakdown:

 1. Address the Cause

• Diabetes: Keep blood sugar in tight control.

• Vitamin Deficiency: Treat with B-complex (especially B12 if low).

• Alcohol: Reduce or eliminate it.

• Medications: Review with a doctor—some drugs can worsen neuropathy.

• Other medical conditions: Treat thyroid issues, autoimmune diseases, infections, etc.

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2. Medication for Symptoms

• Nerve pain:

  • Gabapentin or Pregabalin

  • Duloxetine or Amitriptyline

• Topicals:

  • Capsaicin cream

  • Lidocaine patches

These don’t cure neuropathy but can help ease the burning, tingling, or stabbing sensations.

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 3. Foot & Skin Care

• Inspect feet daily for cuts, blisters, or signs of infection.

• Keep feet clean and moisturized (but not between the toes).

• Wear padded, well-fitting shoes and socks.

• Avoid walking barefoot.

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 4. Lifestyle and Habits

• Exercise: Low-impact activities like walking, swimming, or cycling can improve circulation and nerve health.

• Quit smoking: Smoking reduces blood flow to nerves.

• Limit alcohol: Alcohol worsens nerve damage.

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 5. Alternative Therapies (for some people)

• Acupuncture

• Alpha-lipoic acid supplements (antioxidant—check with a doctor first)

• Physical therapy: Especially if balance or strength is affected.

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 6. Stress and Sleep

• Chronic pain affects sleep and mood.

• Try mindfulness, CBT, or relaxation techniques to manage stress and improve sleep.

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Citations:

PMC

Prevalence of peripheral neuropathy defined by monofilament ...

September 27, 2021 — Age is a risk factor for PN, but age-related increases in the prevalence of PN in persons without diabetes and risk factors for PN in older ...

Pavilion Health

Peripheral neuropathy in older people - Pavilion Health Today

January 8, 2013 — Peripheral neuropathy is common in older people. Although the ageing process itself may play a part, there are multiple other causes.

 

PrimeCare Orthotics & Prosthetics

What Are Common Foot Problems in Older Adults? - PrimeCare

October 15, 2024 — Aging feet problems aren't uncommon. In fact, one in three people over the age of 65 experiences aching feet, stiffness, or overall foot pain.

PMC

Prevalence of peripheral neuropathy defined by monofilament ...

September 27, 2021 — Age is a risk factor for PN, but age-related increases in the prevalence of PN in persons without diabetes and risk factors for PN in older ...

 

Pavilion Health

Peripheral neuropathy in older people - Pavilion Health Today

January 8, 2013 — Peripheral neuropathy is common in older people. Although the ageing process itself may play a part, there are multiple other causes.

PMC

Treatment Considerations for Elderly and Frail Patients With ...

Older adults are at increased risk of neuropathic pain compared with younger adults because many diseases that cause neuropathic pain increase in incidence with ...

Cleveland Clinic

Peripheral Neuropathy: What It Is, Symptoms & Treatment

Peripheral neuropathy is also very common with some age-related diseases. That means the risk of developing peripheral neuropathy increases as you get older.

 

Practical Neurology

Peripheral Neuropathy: Asking the Right Questions

Finding the cause of peripheral neuropathy can be accomplished at least 50 percent and up to 75 percent of the time with careful evaluation. Because there are ...

 

ScienceDirect

Peripheral neuropathy in the elderly - ScienceDirect.com

Peripheral neuropathy is an important factor of disability in the elderly, which is significant now that up to 20% of the population is older than 60 years.

 

ScienceDirect

Causes of neuropathy in the elderly: A retrospective study with 785 ...

Peripheral neuropathy is reported to be a common feature in elderly people [1], and it has been said to be present in 3% of them [2]. In the particular case ...

 

nhs.uk

Peripheral neuropathy - NHS

The symptoms depend on which nerves are affected. In the UK it's estimated almost 1 in 10 people aged 55 or over are affected by peripheral neuropathy.

 

Wikipedia

Peripheral neuropathy - Wikipedia

Peripheral neuropathy, often shortened to neuropathy, refers to damage or disease affecting the nerves. Damage to nerves

 

[3NUMBAS]

I would have it if I didn’t cycle every day ,I feel , so I pound the pedals to keep it at bay,I don’t have type 2 either,

I have always cycled to the station when working in London 

[Yagoda]

I have it in my right arm.  Cause: sleeping on my face with my arm crooked under me.

[LosLobo]

After a course of ciprofloxacin — a drug I had used many times before — I experienced a strange fall, fractured my wrist, and was later diagnosed with peripheral neuropathy.
 

Only later did I learn that fluoroquinolones carry a U.S. black box warning for potentially permanent nerve damage. A 2014 study (Etminan et al.) on men aged 45–80 found new users had double the risk (RR = 2.07).

A 2019 study also showed a 3% increased risk for each additional day of use, with effects lasting up to 6 months.
 

My experience may just be coincidental and anecdotal, but for me the takeaway is clear:

Avoid all fluoroquinolones unless absolutely necessary.

Cipro remains widely used in Thailand, especially for men’s health issues — but the risks deserve more attention.

https://www.researchgate.net/publication/264988482_Oral_fluoroquinolone_use_and_risk_of_peripheral_neuropathy_A_pharmacoepidemiologic_study

https://www.neurologylive.com/view/peripheral-neuropathy-associated-fluoroquinolone-exposure-time-dose-dependent
 

[KhunLA]

You are what you eat ... 

 

 

And, if already having, a natural way to help alleviate any symptoms of ...