What are the first signs of peripheral neuropathy?

Peripheral neuropathy affects nerves outside the brain and spinal cord. Symptoms may feel like pins and needles, electric shocks, burning or a sensation of walking on something soft. Some people become unusually sensitive to touch, while others lose the ability to feel heat, cold or minor injuries. Symptoms can spread gradually and may affect balance or muscle strength later.

Arrange a clinical review for persistent or spreading altered sensation, especially if you have diabetes, drink heavily, take medicines that can affect nerves or may have low vitamin B12. A clinician may examine sensation, reflexes and strength, then consider blood tests or diabetes screening. Check your feet regularly, wear well-fitting shoes and protect numb skin from heat, pressure and cuts.

Seek urgent help for sudden one-sided weakness or numbness, new trouble walking, loss of bladder or bowel control, or rapidly worsening symptoms. Have foot wounds, burns, colour changes or swelling assessed promptly when sensation is reduced, because injury may be harder to notice.

Ask which causes should be checked, whether you need blood tests or diabetes screening, and how to protect your feet. Ask which symptoms suggest nerve damage is progressing and when follow-up is needed.