Treatment options for chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy

Peripheral neuropathy affects nerves outside the brain and spinal cord. After chemotherapy, it may cause tingling, burning, numbness, altered sensation, weakness, or difficulty judging temperature in the hands or feet. Symptoms can affect balance, grip, walking, sleep, and confidence. Your oncology team may assess sensation, strength, reflexes, gait, and how symptoms change between treatments.

Depending on severity and the cancer plan, the team may delay, reduce, change, or stop a medicine that is contributing to nerve symptoms. A clinician may prescribe treatment for nerve pain or sleep disturbance. Cancer pain management can help when discomfort is persistent, while rehabilitation can address balance, strength, movement, and daily tasks.

Report tingling or numbness early, especially if buttons, writing, walking, or climbing stairs become difficult. Check bath water with an unaffected area or a thermometer, wear supportive shoes, clear trip hazards, and use handrails. Inspect hands and feet for cuts or burns because reduced sensation can hide an injury. Ask a rehabilitation professional about exercises and aids suited to your strength; avoid starting strenuous exercises without guidance.

Contact your oncology team promptly for rapidly worsening numbness, new weakness, falls, trouble walking, or difficulty using your hands. Seek urgent care for a serious burn, deep cut, infected wound, sudden one-sided weakness, new bladder or bowel difficulty, or breathing problems.

Could my chemotherapy be adjusted? Which symptoms suggest nerve damage rather than another problem? Would medicine, cancer pain management, or rehabilitation help? How can I protect my feet and hands? What changes should make me call before the next appointment?