Can peripheral neuropathy be prevented?

Peripheral neuropathy affects nerves outside the brain and spinal cord. Type 2 Diabetes, heavy alcohol use and Vitamin B12 Deficiency are among the conditions that can injure these nerves. Symptoms may include burning, pins and needles, numbness, altered balance or weakness in the hands or feet.

Reduced feeling can hide a blister, burn or pressure injury. Prevention therefore includes treating the cause and checking areas where sensation has changed, rather than waiting for pain to warn you.

If you have diabetes, follow your agreed blood-sugar plan and keep scheduled reviews. Avoid or reduce alcohol with professional support if drinking is difficult to control. Eat a varied diet and ask a clinician to assess possible Vitamin B12 Deficiency before starting supplements, because the right treatment depends on the cause.

Check your feet and hands regularly, use footwear that fits, and test bath water with a part of your body that has normal sensation. Do not walk barefoot if your feet are numb. Gentle strength and balance work may help function when cleared for you.

Book a clinical review for new or spreading tingling, numbness, burning pain, repeated trips or unexplained weakness. Seek urgent help for sudden one-sided weakness, sudden severe loss of sensation, or a foot injury that is deep, infected or not healing.

Ask which cause is most relevant, whether blood tests or a nerve examination are needed, and how to protect your feet. Discuss medication side effects, alcohol support and whether a referral for physiotherapy or podiatry would be useful.