Peripheral neuropathy develops when nerves in the body’s extremities, such as hands and feet are damaged. The symptoms depend on the nerves affected.

The early symptoms of peripheral neuropathy include pain, tingling or loss of sensation in the feet. Loss of balance or weakness. A cut or ulcer on your foot that is not healing. It is important to see your doctor if you experience any of these symptoms.

The main types of peripheral neuropathy are sensory neuropathy – damage to the nerves that carry messages of touch, temperature, pain and other sensations to the brain. Motor neuropathy – damage to the nerves that control movement. Autonomic neuropathy – damage to the nerves that control movement. Mononeuropathy – damage to a single nerve outside of the central nervous system.

Peripheral neuropathy can be caused by diabetes, both type 1 & type 2 – this is the most common cause. Over time the high blood sugar levels associated with diabetes can damage nerves – this is known as      diabetic neuropathy.

Peripheral neuropathy can also have a wide range of other causes, such as, physical injury to the nerves, a viral infection such as shingles or a side effect to certain medications or drinking too much alcohol.

Treatment will depend on the underlying case of your peripheral neuropathy. Not all underlying causes can be treated. Nerve pain may be treated with prescribed medications called neuropathic pain agents, as standard painkillers often do not work.

If the underlying cause is not treated, you may be at risk of developing serious complications, such if the nerves controlling the automatic functions of the heart and circulation system (known as cardiovascular autonomic neuropathy) are affected, you may need treatment to increase your blood pressure and in rare cases a pacemaker.