Disorders

What is peripheral neuropathy?

Reviewed June 2026 by Katie Grouse, MD

Definition: Peripheral neuropathy happens when the peripheral nerves are damaged. These nerves carry messages between your brain, your spinal cord, and the rest of your body. When they don’t work as they should, you may notice changes in how your body feels, moves, or functions.

Peripheral neuropathy is relatively common, especially as people age. It affects about 1% of adults overall and up to 6–10% of people older than 60. There are many possible causes, but diabetes is the most common.

Peripheral neuropathy often starts in the longest nerves, so symptoms usually begin in the feet and may slowly move up the legs.

What are the symptoms of peripheral neuropathy?

Symptoms can vary depending on the nerves affected. You may experience:

  • Numbness or tingling
  • Burning or sharp, electric-like pain
  • Muscle weakness
  • Trouble with balance or coordination
  • Dizziness when standing
  • Digestive problems

Symptoms often begin in the feet and legs and can spread over time.

What are the causes and risk factors of peripheral neuropathy?

Peripheral neuropathy has many possible causes. They include:

  • Diabetes (the most common cause)
  • Alcohol use
  • Certain medications, including chemotherapy
  • Vitamin deficiencies, such as vitamin B12
  • Autoimmune conditions
  • Inherited disorders

In some cases, no clear cause is found.

How is peripheral neuropathy diagnosed?

To diagnose peripheral neuropathy, a doctor may:

  • Perform a neurological exam to check strength, reflexes, and sensation
  • Order blood tests to look for underlying causes and check blood sugar levels, vitamin levels, and certain proteins in the blood
  • Use tests that measure how well nerves are working

What treatments are available for peripheral neuropathy?

Treatment focuses on both the cause and the symptoms. Treating the cause may include:

  • Manage conditions like diabetes
  • Adjust or stop medications that may be contributing
  • Replenish vitamins, such as B12

Symptoms may be managed with medications to help relieve nerve pain, including:

  • Gabapentin or pregabalin to quiet nerve signals
  • Duloxetine or venlafaxine to improve mood and reduce pain signals
  • Amitriptyline or nortriptyline to improve mood and calm pain signals
  • Topical treatments like lidocaine (blocks pain immediately) or capsaicin (reduces pain over time)

Everyday steps that may help include maintaining a healthy weight, eating a balanced diet, limiting alcohol, and avoiding smoking.

In some cases, nerves can heal if the cause is treated. However, full recovery is not always possible.

Living with peripheral neuropathy can be challenging, especially when your symptoms affect daily activities. But many people find ways to manage symptoms and stay active. Working with your care team, making healthy lifestyle choices, and staying informed can help you feel more in control and improve your quality of life.

Frequently asked questions

Can peripheral neuropathy be cured or reversed?

Peripheral neuropathy may improve if the underlying cause is treated. However, complete recovery is not always possible, and some symptoms may continue over time.

What does neuropathy pain feel like?

Neuropathy pain often feels like burning, tingling, stabbing, or electric shocks, usually starting in the feet or hands.

How does neuropathy affect your balance?

Damage to sensory nerves can make it harder to feel the ground beneath your feet. This can lead to unsteadiness and increase the risk of falls.

What are small fiber versus large fiber neuropathies?

Small fiber neuropathy affects pain and temperature sensation, while large fiber neuropathy affects vibration, position sense, and balance.

If you have small fiber neuropathy, your symptoms could include nerve pain and sensitivity to temperature and touch. Large fiber neuropathy symptoms, however, include numbness, delayed reflexes, and muscle weakness.

Peripheral neuropathy resources

Find organizations that provide helpful information for people living with peripheral neuropathy and their families.