What Are the Symptoms of Peripheral Neuropathy?

Symptoms often begin in the toes or feet and may gradually move upward; the hands can also be affected. Light touch may feel painful, or the skin may feel as if it is covered by a glove or sock. Weakness can make walking or gripping difficult, while reduced sensation can hide a blister, cut, or burn. Peripheral Neuropathy has several possible causes, including Type 2 Diabetes and Vitamin B12 Deficiency.

Book an appointment if numbness, tingling, burning, or weakness persists or interferes with sleep, walking, or daily tasks. Check your feet regularly for cuts, blisters, colour changes, or swelling, and wear well-fitting footwear. A clinician may use a Blood Test, review medicines, and consider Diabetes Screening when the history suggests it.

Seek urgent help for sudden weakness or numbness on one side, new loss of bladder or bowel control, rapidly worsening weakness, or a foot wound with spreading redness, swelling, pus, fever, or severe pain. A painless wound still needs prompt review when sensation is reduced.

Ask what pattern of nerve symptoms you have, which causes should be checked, and how to protect numb areas from heat and injury. Ask how to manage pain, improve balance, and monitor your feet if you have diabetes or an existing sore.