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Peripheral neuropathy

Symptoms of peripheral neuropathy

The main symptoms of peripheral neuropathy can include:

  • numbness and tingling in the feet or hands
  • burning, stabbing or shooting pain in affected areas
  • loss of balance and co-ordination
  • muscle weakness, especially in the feet

These symptoms are usually constant, but may come and go.

Causes of peripheral neuropathy

In the UK diabetes (both type 1 and type 2) is the most common cause of peripheral neuropathy.

Over time, the high blood sugar levels associated with diabetes can damage the nerves.

This type of nerve damage is known as diabetic polyneuropathy.

Peripheral neuropathy can also have a wide range of other causes.

For example, it can be caused by:

  • physical injury to the nerves
  • a viral infection, such as shingles
  • a side effect of certain medicines or drinking too much alcohol

People who are known to be at an increased risk of peripheral neuropathy may have regular check-ups so their nerve function can be assessed.

Treating peripheral neuropathy

Treatment for peripheral neuropathy depends on the symptoms and underlying cause.

Not all of the underlying causes of neuropathy can be treated.

For example, if you have diabetes, it may help to gain better control of your blood sugar level, stop smoking and cut down on alcohol.

Nerve pain may be treated with prescribed medicines called neuropathic pain agents, as standard painkillers often do not work.

If you have other symptoms associated with peripheral neuropathy, these may need to be treated individually.

For example, treatment for muscle weakness may involve physiotherapy and walking aids.

Common symptoms of peripheral neuropathy include pain, numbness, tingling and weakness in your hands, arms or feet.

Treatment for peripheral neuropathy depends on what's causing it. Nerve pain is usually treated with strong prescription painkillers.

The most common cause of peripheral neuropathy in the UK is nerve damage from diabetes. It can also be caused by things like an injury or infection.

Related links

Peripheral neuropathy

Symptoms

Causes

Diagnosis

Treatment

Complications

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Research on chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy

The Multinational Association of Supportive Care (MASCC) Neurological Complications Study Group is undertaking research into chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) symptoms and related management.
The Multinational Association of Supportive Care (MASCC) Neurological Complications Study Group is undertaking research into chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) symptoms and related management.
TheOvacomeTeam profile image
TheOvacomeTeam
Partnerin My Ovacome

Peripheral Neuropathy

I understand, one of the symptoms associated with PBC is Peripheral Neuropathy. I have this condition in both feet, numbness, burning sensation and one or two symptoms, I also feel thatPN is affecting my hands. Does anyone else experience Peripheral Neuropathy?
I understand, one of the symptoms associated with PBC is Peripheral Neuropathy. I have this condition in both feet, numbness, burning sensation and one or two symptoms, I also feel thatPN is affecting my hands. Does anyone else experience Peripheral Neuropathy?
suzycatt1 profile image
suzycatt1
in PBC Foundation

Peripheral neuropathy

I have peripheral neuropathy - taking 50mg pregabalin in morning, 50mg pregabalin in afternoon and 100 pregbalin in evening, still in a lot of discmfort and pain and cramp Anyone else on this dose of pregabalin (or perhahs more?)....does it help? Should I ask doc. to increase dose ? Thank you
I have peripheral neuropathy - taking 50mg pregabalin in morning, 50mg pregabalin in afternoon and 100 pregbalin in evening, still in a lot of discmfort and pain and cramp Anyone else on this dose of pregabalin (or perhahs more?)....does it help? Should I ask doc. to increase dose ? Thank you
foxglove profile image
foxglove
in Pain Concern
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Peripheral Neuropathy and Hashis?

I’m worried it might be a sign of peripheral neuropathy. I’m probably going to have to see the GP about it but keep hoping it’ll go away before that, because I like to avoid GPs whenever possible.
I’m worried it might be a sign of peripheral neuropathy. I’m probably going to have to see the GP about it but keep hoping it’ll go away before that, because I like to avoid GPs whenever possible.
Josephineinamachine profile image
Josephineinamachine
in Thyroid UK

How can I get some real relief from this RLS torture?

Neuropathy and therefore apparently hopeless.
Neuropathy and therefore apparently hopeless.
feetgrind profile image
feetgrind
in Restless Legs Syndrome

Re: "A Possible Solution For ... Peripheral Neuropathy ..."

By the time I got around to responding to Nalakrat's post, he had over 3 dozen repiles & who know how many who read but did not respond. On the basis that those people would not get to read a late post, I started this one. I have some interest in this going back to 2016 when my wife was on Velcade,
By the time I got around to responding to Nalakrat's post, he had over 3 dozen repiles & who know how many who read but did not respond. On the basis that those people would not get to read a late post, I started this one. I have some interest in this going back to 2016 when my wife was on Velcade,
pjoshea13 profile image
pjoshea13
in Advanced Prostate Cancer

Peripheral Neuropathy

I have recently developed peripheral neuropathy from hydroxyurea and have now discontinued the medication. Has anyone else had this happen and how long did PN symptoms last?
I have recently developed peripheral neuropathy from hydroxyurea and have now discontinued the medication. Has anyone else had this happen and how long did PN symptoms last?
Phantasia profile image
Phantasia
in MPN Voice

Article about strange symptoms of B12 deficiency

Neuropathy (damage to peripheral nerves) https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/peripheral-neuropathy/ Peripheral neuropathy can be associated with B12 deficiency and sometimes with folate deficiency.
Neuropathy (damage to peripheral nerves) https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/peripheral-neuropathy/ Peripheral neuropathy can be associated with B12 deficiency and sometimes with folate deficiency.
Sleepybunny profile image
Sleepybunny
in Pernicious Anaemia Society

Peripheral Neuropathy

I am experiencing some painful sensations in my legs and I am slightly concerned about peripheral neuropathy but have taken mxt for 20 years without any problems.
I am experiencing some painful sensations in my legs and I am slightly concerned about peripheral neuropathy but have taken mxt for 20 years without any problems.
Sheila_G profile image
Sheila_G
in NRAS

Up-date on Info provided to help men with Peripheral Neuropathy. A must-read for those needing help with PN.

5 months ago I did a post on Peripheral Neuropathy[PN]. And I discussed the use of Benfotiamine as a possible aid. I made clear that if you had PN for a long time and that the nerves may be damaged or even dead that this Supplement will not work.
5 months ago I did a post on Peripheral Neuropathy[PN]. And I discussed the use of Benfotiamine as a possible aid. I made clear that if you had PN for a long time and that the nerves may be damaged or even dead that this Supplement will not work.
Nalakrats profile image
Nalakrats
in Advanced Prostate Cancer

Alpha lipoic acid

Anyone tried alpha lipoic acid for peripheral neuropathy? If so did it help? Thanks
Anyone tried alpha lipoic acid for peripheral neuropathy? If so did it help? Thanks
foxglove profile image
foxglove
in Action on Pain

A Possible Solution For Men Who Have Acquired Peripheral Neuropathy From ADT or Chemo Use.

Today I am going to discuss a possible solution for Peripheral Neuropathy[PN]' Please understand if you have had PN for a long time, and are under treatment with the popular Neuropathy drugs, then what I will discuss below will probably not be effective.
Today I am going to discuss a possible solution for Peripheral Neuropathy[PN]' Please understand if you have had PN for a long time, and are under treatment with the popular Neuropathy drugs, then what I will discuss below will probably not be effective.
Nalakrats profile image
Nalakrats
in Advanced Prostate Cancer

Do your shoes affect your RLS?

Given that my Peripheral Neuropathy requires me to wear "sensible shoes" which accommodate orthotics has anyone found that their RLS is affected by what shoes they wear?
Given that my Peripheral Neuropathy requires me to wear "sensible shoes" which accommodate orthotics has anyone found that their RLS is affected by what shoes they wear?
feetgrind profile image
feetgrind
in Restless Legs Syndrome

Survey About Peripheral Neuropathy

Greetings, If you've experienced numbness, tingling, and/or pain in your hands or feet after chemotherapy, please consider sharing your experience via this survey from the Multinational Association of Supportive Care in Cancer. https://surveys.mayoclinic.org/jfe/form/SV_a8Kpabc4aHCpCvQ Thank you!
Greetings, If you've experienced numbness, tingling, and/or pain in your hands or feet after chemotherapy, please consider sharing your experience via this survey from the Multinational Association of Supportive Care in Cancer. https://surveys.mayoclinic.org/jfe/form/SV_a8Kpabc4aHCpCvQ Thank you!
Bestbird profile image
Bestbird
in SHARE Metastatic Breast Cancer

Duloxetine Query

Has anyone else been prescribed Duloxetine for peripheral neuropathy and does it work? After finally getting a face to face appointment with my GP, I think I have been put into the “depressed” category!
Has anyone else been prescribed Duloxetine for peripheral neuropathy and does it work? After finally getting a face to face appointment with my GP, I think I have been put into the “depressed” category!
Bassettbabe profile image
Bassettbabe
in Pernicious Anaemia Society

Alpha-lipoic- acid

I have peripheral neuropathy (not caused by diabetes) and read that alpha-lipoic- acid can help with pain. I am taking 200mg ALA and would like to know if anyone else is trying this and what dose and results? Thanks
I have peripheral neuropathy (not caused by diabetes) and read that alpha-lipoic- acid can help with pain. I am taking 200mg ALA and would like to know if anyone else is trying this and what dose and results? Thanks
foxglove profile image
foxglove
in Pain Concern

Wrong culprit?

Then the peripheral neuropathy came with a bang! Of course I automatically assumed hydroxy was the culprit until I saw a post about atorvastatin and peripheral neuropathy. Maybe I was wrong … Has anyone experienced PN with statin?
Then the peripheral neuropathy came with a bang! Of course I automatically assumed hydroxy was the culprit until I saw a post about atorvastatin and peripheral neuropathy. Maybe I was wrong … Has anyone experienced PN with statin?
Cokopops profile image
Cokopops
in MPN Voice

Peripheral neuropathy : numbness, tingling, discomfort. What should I do?

My peripheral neuropathy has suddenly increased. I’m trying to not be scared but I am. I’m 46. Since my early 20’s my feet have gone numb on exercise machines. Now I’m waking up with tingling dead feeling limbs.
My peripheral neuropathy has suddenly increased. I’m trying to not be scared but I am. I’m 46. Since my early 20’s my feet have gone numb on exercise machines. Now I’m waking up with tingling dead feeling limbs.
Hidden profile image
Hidden
in Cure Parkinson's

was diagnosed 2014, left untreated, had all sorts of problems since, was told that it was all in my mind, or due to mental health

Was diagnosed with peripheral neuropathy, which is now permanent and untreatable
Was diagnosed with peripheral neuropathy, which is now permanent and untreatable
DeficientD profile image
DeficientD
in Pernicious Anaemia Society

NERVE CONDUCTION test, what to expect

Please avoid using any form of oils or creams on the hands and wear lose clothing that allows access to elbows and knees " As I've got peripheral neuropathy in my feet & legs (occasionally in my fingers) the above seems odd, if anyone can throw any light on it please x
Please avoid using any form of oils or creams on the hands and wear lose clothing that allows access to elbows and knees " As I've got peripheral neuropathy in my feet & legs (occasionally in my fingers) the above seems odd, if anyone can throw any light on it please x
Garnacha profile image
Garnacha
in NRAS
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