What is Peripheral Neuropathy?

Peripheral Neuropathy is the damage of the nerves surrounding the outside of the brain and spinal cord, or central nervous system. Sensory messages from the nerves are sent to and from the central nervous system, causing the affected areas to be in pain. Because every nerve in the peripheral system is designed to have a specific function, how the nerve is affected determines the system a person may experience.

Common Symptoms

A person with Peripheral Neuropathy may experience different degrees of sharp or stabbing pain, numbness, tingling, weakness, and/or burning sensations that off show evidence in the hands and feet. Not limited to the hands and feet, the symptoms of Peripheral Neuropathy can also affect shoulders, arms, low back, hips, and knees.
National Headquarters Feet Pain

FEET PAIN

  • Feet/toe pain
  • Tingling, prickling, or numbness in feet
  • Sharp, stabbing, throbbing, burning pains
  • Muscle weakness
  • Sensitivity to touch
  • Heavy feeling sensation
  • Difficulty walking
  • Lack of coordination
National Headquarters Common Pain Areas
National Headquarters Hand Pain

HAND PAIN

  • Hand/forearm pain
  • Tingling, prickling, or numbness in hands
  • Sharp, stabbing, throbbing, burning pains
  • Muscle weakness
  • Dropping of items
  • Feels like wearing a glove
  • Sensations of shocking or buzzing
National Headquarters Feet Pain

FEET PAIN

  • Feet/toe pain
  • Tingling, prickling, or numbness in feet
  • Sharp, stabbing, throbbing, burning pains
  • Muscle weakness
  • Sensitivity to touch
  • Heavy feeling sensation
  • Difficulty walking
  • Lack of coordination
Hand Pain

HAND PAIN

  • Hand/forearm pain
  • Tingling, prickling, or numbness in hands
  • Sharp, stabbing, throbbing, burning pains
  • Muscle weakness
  • Dropping of items
  • Feels like wearing a glove
  • Sensations of shocking or buzzing
National Headquarters Common Pain Areas

Learn more about peripheral neuropathy and how it can affect other areas of your body.

Peripheral Neuropathy