It can be difficult--
 

--to distinguish symptoms of neuropathy from those of vascular insufficiency--especially since, technically, neuropathy can be caused by certain types of vascular insufficiency, either through the compressive effects from swelling putting pressure on nerves when blood flow is not normal and "pools", or through nerves being starved for nutrients and oxygen (and troubled in their removal of metabolic wastes) by lack of proper circulation. Diabetic neuropathy, for example, is though to be primarily an ischmeic/circulatory result; while high sugar levels can damage nerves directly they have a more widespread effect on capillaries, causing dysregulation of nitric oxide pathways and compromising blood flow to nerves. (And, of course, diabetes also leads to all sorts of things that start from compromised circulation--blindness, poor wound healing, coronary artery disease, kidney problems.)

I would think that if one's symptoms were PRIMARILY from peripheral artery disease, there would be more waxing and waning of symptoms, dependent on position and degree of exertion, whereas neuropathy symptoms would not be as dependent on these and be more constant.

A small percentage of population will have loss of blood flow with arms over head.

If you also have arm, elbow or hand pain /symptoms with it you may have a version of thoracic outlet syndrome. TOS for short. Previous whiplash, desk/computer/repetitive job are often factors..
for more info- post #1
http://neurotalk.psychcentral.com/thread84.html

I think they can analyze your punch biopsy for vasculitis. I'd have to recheck my results to confirm this.

So my symptoms in arms could result from TOS? just a possibility since my symptoms seem to fit. But would TOS cause burning feet? Or could I have two seperate conditions? Ugh...so tired of the guessing games. Counting down the days to my neuro appt. Hope I'm not completely disappointed.

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I thought I had TOS a few years back but according to the ortho doc I was seeing he said the pain would be rather significant which I wasn't having.

Many non TOS specialized drs , have only a basic & biased view of TOS.
Is it is not well understood and no imaging clearly proves it , unless there is a bony anomaly/ extra cervical rib, or if doppler shows compression on a blood supply.

Advanced PT's /chiropractors /bodyworkers often understand it better due to more intensive lessons on muscles, posture , function, fascia....

I did not have high pain which is usually nerve TOS, vascular TOS could be artery or vein related - it usually shows with swelling heaviness , possible clots, and veins showing, whit hands when up in air.. another TOS is called disputed - usually more related to long term chronic RSI's /forward head/forward/hunched shoulders postures.

Just mentioning it in case it may fit for someone.

I have always had poor posture including hunched shoulders. I'm wondering what issues this may cause down the road. I have improved my posture some but could be better.


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It shouldn't hurt to do some basic work on posture, here are some simple ideas that let gravity do most of the work..


http://neurotalk.psychcentral.com/pi...pictureid=5399

lay on foam roll or large towels rolled up tightly - pillow if needed for neck comfort - then just relax with arms at a comfortable position
http://neurotalk.psychcentral.com/pi...pictureid=5400


There are related videos on you tube also..if you want more details or how to do it.

Thanks Jomar...I like the exercise ball one especially. I will try it.