Overview
Peripheral neuropathy is damage to the nerves of the hands and feet, causing numbness, tingling or burning pain — typically in a "glove and stocking" pattern. Diabetes is the leading cause globally; alcohol, vitamin deficiencies and some infections also damage nerves. Treating the cause early can stop it worsening.
Symptoms
- Numbness or reduced feeling in feet or hands
- Burning, tingling or "pepperish" sensation
- Sharp or electric-shock pains
- Pain worse at night
- Unsteady walking
- Wounds on the feet that go unnoticed
Causes & risk factors
- Long-standing or poorly controlled diabetes
- Heavy alcohol use
- Vitamin B12 and other deficiencies
- HIV and some of its older treatments
- Kidney disease and certain medicines
Treatment & self-care
Treatment targets the cause — tight diabetes control, stopping alcohol, replacing deficient vitamins — while doctors can prescribe specific nerve-pain medicines (ordinary painkillers often work poorly). Inspect and protect numb feet daily, and wear covered shoes. Early review prevents silent foot injuries from becoming ulcers.
See a doctor urgently if
- Numbness or burning feet, especially if diabetic
- Any foot wound you cannot feel
- Rapidly spreading weakness or numbness
- Loss of balance or frequent falls