A neurological disorder that can cause pain, numbness, tingling, or a burning sensation in the feet and other parts of the body, peripheral neuropathy occurs when the network of nerves that connects the brain with the rest of the body becomes impaired.

This network, known as the peripheral nervous system, carries orders from the brain to the body and also relays sensory perceptions from the body back to the brain. It can be damaged in many different ways, including nutritional deficiencies, alcoholism, inherited disorders, diabetes, or traumatic injuries like car crashes.

In many cases, however, the specific cause of peripheral neuropathy cannot be identified—a condition known as ideopathic neuropathy.

The feet and hands, the body parts farthest from the brain and spinal cord, are affected first; some people with peripheral neuropathy experience muscle weakness and numbness, feeling as if they’re wearing gloves and socks all the time. Others may be oversensitive to touch and may feel a burning pain or tingling sensation in their extremities.

There are more than 100 forms of peripheral neuropathy, some of which appear suddenly and aggressively and others that progress very slowly and never seriously affect quality of life. If the autonomic nervous system—which regulates involuntary reactions such as breathing, heart rate, sweating, and digestion—is damaged, the condition can be life threatening.

Inherited peripheral neuropathy cannot be treated, but the pain can be controlled with medications, and mechanical devices can lessen the effects of physical disability. For other forms of damage, nerves can regenerate, as long as the nerve cell itself has not been killed. Treatment and healing can be a slow process, but exercise, a healthful diet, and avoidance of alcohol and cigarette smoke can speed it along.

ADDITIONAL FACTS

  1. The most common inherited form of peripheral neuropathy is Charcot-Marie-Tooth disorder, which damage the protective myelin sheath that surrounds nerves in the brain and spinal cord. Symptoms include gait abnormalities, weakening and wasting of lower-leg and foot muscles, and loss of tendon reflexes—such as the knee-jerk reaction that occurs when a doctor taps your knee with a rubber hammer.
  2. One relatively simple treatment that provides temporary relief for some people with peripheral neuropathy is the lidocaine patch, an anesthetic that can be applied directly over painful areas.
  3. People with peripheral neuropathy may not feel a blister or cut on their feet right away and are thus more susceptible to foot infections and sores that won’t heal.