Peripheral Neuropathy: what it is and how we help

Peripheral neuropathy at a glance

Peripheral neuropathy is damage to the nerves outside the brain and spinal cord, usually starting in the feet and hands. It causes numbness, tingling, burning pain and sometimes weakness and poor balance. Diabetes is the most common cause in the UK. Treating the underlying cause, protecting the feet and improving balance are the priorities.

Symptoms of peripheral neuropathy

• Numbness and tingling in the feet and hands, often in a glove and stocking pattern
• Burning, stabbing or electric pain, often worse at night
• Loss of balance and coordination
• Muscle weakness or cramps
• Not noticing cuts or blisters on the feet

What causes it?

Diabetes, low vitamin B12, alcohol, chemotherapy, an underactive thyroid, kidney disease, some infections and autoimmune conditions. Sometimes no cause is found. For a fuller guide to symptoms, causes, risks and treatment, see what peripheral neuropathy is.

How is it treated?

Your GP will look for the cause with blood tests. Treatment focuses on managing that cause, nerve pain medication where needed, and foot care. Balance and strength training reduce the risk of falls.

How we help in Chiswick

• Blood tests: HbA1c, B12, folate, thyroid and kidney function.
• Physiotherapy: balance, strength and walking programmes to prevent falls.
• Red light therapy: photobiomodulation has been studied for neuropathic pain, with some positive small trials.
• Acupuncture: some studies suggest it may ease neuropathy symptoms.
• Tai chi: evidence for improved balance in people with neuropathy.

Can peripheral neuropathy be reversed?

It depends on the cause and how long the nerves have been affected. Neuropathy from low vitamin B12 or alcohol can improve when the cause is treated, sometimes significantly. Diabetic neuropathy is harder to reverse, but good blood sugar control can slow or stop it getting worse. Treatment also focuses on easing pain and protecting the feet.

What does neuropathy pain feel like?

People describe burning, stabbing, electric shocks or a feeling of walking on pebbles or cotton wool. Numbness can make the feet feel as if they belong to someone else, and some people find even bedsheets painful. Symptoms often start in the toes and spread upwards, and are frequently worse at night.

Exercise and balance with neuropathy

Loss of feeling in the feet affects balance and raises the risk of falls. Regular strength and balance exercise, such as tai chi, heel raises and standing on one leg next to a support, improves stability. Low-impact activities such as cycling and swimming keep you fit without putting pressure on numb feet.

What to expect at Omnia

We ask about your symptoms, any diagnosis and your health conditions, and check sensation, strength and balance. If the cause is unclear, we can arrange blood tests and share them with your GP. Your plan may combine balance and strength training, tai chi, red light therapy or acupuncture, with advice on footwear and foot care.

What you can do at home

• Check your feet daily for cuts, blisters or colour changes
• Wear well-fitting shoes and never walk barefoot
• Keep blood sugar in range if you have diabetes
• Limit alcohol

Related: diabetes and metabolic health. Omnia Lifestyle, Chiswick W4. Book online or call 020 4515 0000.