Nerve pain may be treated with prescribed medicines called neuropathic pain agents, as standard painkillers often do not work. Not all of the underlying causes of neuropathy can be treated.įor example, if you have diabetes, it may help to gain better control of your blood sugar level, stop smoking and cut down on alcohol. Treatment for peripheral neuropathy depends on the symptoms and underlying cause.

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.

a side effect of certain medications or drinking too much alcohol.

Peripheral neuropathy can also have a wide range of other causes. This type of nerve damage is known as diabetic polyneuropathy. Over time, the high blood sugar levels associated with diabetes can damage the nerves. In the UK, diabetes (both type 1 and type 2) is the most common cause of peripheral neuropathy. Generally, the sooner peripheral neuropathy is diagnosed, the better the chance of limiting the damage and preventing further complications. You may be referred to hospital to see a neurologist, a specialist in health problems affecting the nervous system. It's also recommended that people at highest risk of peripheral neuropathy, such as people with diabetes, have regular check-ups.Ī GP will ask about your symptoms and may arrange some tests to help identify the underlying cause.

a cut or ulcer on your foot that's not getting better.

pain, tingling or loss of sensation in the feet.

It's important to see your GP if you experience the early symptoms of peripheral neuropathy. These symptoms are usually constant, but may come and go.

muscle weakness, especially in the feet.

burning, stabbing or shooting pain in affected areas.

numbness and tingling in the feet or hands.

The main symptoms of peripheral neuropathy can include: autonomic nerves – responsible for regulating automatic functions of the body, such as blood pressure and bladder function.motor nerves – responsible for controlling muscles.sensory nerves – responsible for transmitting sensations, such as pain and touch.It includes different types of nerves with their own specific functions, including: The peripheral nervous system is the network of nerves that lie outside the central nervous system (the brain and spinal cord). In the UK it's estimated almost 1 in 10 people aged 55 or over are affected by peripheral neuropathy. The symptoms depend on which nerves are affected. Transcutaneous nerve stimulation (TENS) is a therapy using a special machine that sends an electrical current through electrodes attached to your skin.Peripheral neuropathy develops when nerves in the body's extremities, such as the hands, feet and arms, are damaged.Medicines may help relieve pain and discomfort.

Exercise may help with neuropathy pain.Massage can increase blood flow and may provide pain relief.Ask your doctor if this would be safe for you, and for more details and the name of a licensed acupuncturist. Acupuncture relieves pain in some patients.Recovery from peripheral neuropathy can be slow, and symptoms may persist. Treatments may include medications and physical therapy. The main goal of treatment for chemo-induced peripheral neuropathy is to reduce symptoms. Symptoms usually start at the fingers and toes and gradually move upward to the hands, feet, arms, and legs. Numbness in the affected areas or an inability to feel pressure or sense hot or cold temperaturesĪreas of the body most commonly affected by peripheral neuropathy are the hands, feet, fingers, and toes.In addition to numbness and tingling, other symptoms may include: It is caused by damage to the nerves that send signals between the arms and legs and the central nervous system. Peripheral neuropathy can be a side effect of some chemotherapy (chemo) medicines. The feeling of tingling or numbness in your hands or feet is called peripheral neuropathy.

Pins and needles in feet