What are the treatment options for peripheral neuropathy?

Peripheral neuropathy affects nerves outside the brain and spinal cord. It can cause burning, tingling, altered sensation, weakness, or balance problems, often in the feet or hands. The plan depends on whether diabetes, a vitamin problem, alcohol, a medicine, pressure on a nerve, or another illness is contributing.

A [Blood Test](/treatments/diagnostics-and-screening/blood-test/) may look for treatable causes such as vitamin or thyroid problems. [Diabetes Screening](/treatments/diagnostics-and-screening/diabetes-screening/) can identify blood-sugar problems that may be affecting nerves. Treatment may then include correcting a deficiency, improving blood-sugar control, changing a causative medicine under supervision, or treating another condition.

Ask for a clinical review if numbness, burning, weakness, or balance changes persist. Nerve-pain medicines may be considered when symptoms disrupt sleep or activity; ordinary painkillers do not always work well for nerve pain. Inspect feet and hands daily, test bath water carefully, use protective footwear, and remove trip hazards. Physiotherapy or balance exercises may help when weakness or unsteadiness is present.

Seek urgent assessment for rapidly worsening weakness, new difficulty walking, loss of bladder or bowel control, severe dizziness, or numbness spreading quickly. A foot wound, burn, colour change, swelling, or signs of infection also needs prompt review when sensation is reduced.

Ask which causes should be tested, whether your medicines could contribute, how to protect numb skin, which symptom treatment fits your health, and when weakness or wounds require urgent help.