Peripheral Neuropathy: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
Medically reviewed by Harsha Moole, MD, Internal Medicine. Last reviewed: October 23, 2026.
What kind of doctor treats Peripheral Neuropathy?
A neurologist, a doctor who treats diseases of the nerves and brain, often diagnoses and treats peripheral neuropathy. Your regular doctor may order tests to look for the cause of the nerve damage. A direct primary care or concierge doctor can be a first stop for an evaluation and can refer you to a specialist when needed.
What is peripheral neuropathy?
Peripheral nerves carry information to and from the brain. They also carry signals between the spinal cord and the rest of the body. Peripheral neuropathy means one or more of these nerves do not work properly.
It can affect a single nerve, a group of nerves, or the nerves in the whole body. More than 100 types have been identified, each with its own symptoms.
Symptoms
Symptoms depend on which nerve is damaged. They can range from mild to severe but are rarely life-threatening. Common signs include:
- Tingling or burning in the arms and legs, often starting in the toes and feet.
- Loss of feeling in the legs and arms, so you may not notice when you step on something sharp.
- Muscle weakness and trouble controlling muscles.
- Loss of balance, because numbness makes it harder to tell where your feet are moving.
- Feeling lightheaded when you stand up.
- Sweating too little or too much.
Causes and who gets it
Often, no cause can be found. Diabetes is the most common cause of this type of nerve problem. High blood sugar levels over a long time can damage your nerves. Other health conditions that may cause neuropathy include:
- Autoimmune disorders, where the body attacks its own tissues, such as rheumatoid arthritis or lupus.
- Chronic kidney disease.
- Infections such as HIV/AIDS and shingles.
- Low levels of vitamins such as B12.
- Poisoning due to heavy metals, such as lead.
- Tumors.
Long-term, heavy alcohol use can also lead to nerve damage. So can pressure on a nerve, such as from carpal tunnel syndrome. Some medicines used to treat infections, cancer, seizures, and high blood pressure can also damage nerves. Some nerve diseases run in families.
How doctors diagnose it
Your provider will examine you and ask about your health history and symptoms. Blood and urine tests may be done to look for causes of nerve damage. It can be hard to diagnose because symptoms vary so much. Your provider may also recommend:
- Electromyography (EMG), which checks electrical activity in muscles.
- Nerve conduction studies, which show how fast signals travel along nerves.
- Genetic testing for conditions that run in families.
An MRI scan of the spine can find pinched nerves, tumors, or other internal problems.
Treatment
Treating the cause of nerve damage, if known, may improve your symptoms. People with diabetes should learn to control their blood sugar. If you use alcohol, stop. Replacing a vitamin or making other changes in your diet may help. You may need surgery to remove pressure on a nerve.
Physical therapy may help with balance issues and falling due to neuropathy. Medicines may help reduce pain in the feet, legs, and arms. They usually do not bring back loss of feeling. Opioid pain medicines are not recommended for nerve pain from peripheral neuropathy. Do not stop taking any medicine before talking to your provider.
Wear shoes at all times to protect your feet from injury. Check your feet every day. When a medical condition can be found and treated, your outlook may be excellent. But sometimes, nerve damage can be permanent, even if the cause is treated.
When to see a doctor
Contact your provider if you have symptoms of nerve damage. Numbness in the feet can lead to skin sores that do not heal. Nerve damage may hide angina, the warning chest pain for some heart diseases and heart attack. Other warning signs of a heart attack are sudden fatigue, sweating, shortness of breath, nausea, and vomiting. Call 911 or go to the emergency room if you have chest pain or discomfort that lasts two minutes or more, trouble breathing, or trouble swallowing. Also get emergency care if weakness spreads fast, such as from the legs to the arms. This can be a sign of Guillain-Barré syndrome, an illness in which the immune system attacks the nerves.
How a direct primary care or concierge doctor fits in
A direct primary care doctor charges a flat monthly fee instead of billing insurance, while a concierge doctor usually charges more and often works alongside insurance. A direct primary care or concierge doctor can look for common causes such as diabetes or low vitamin levels, check your feet and balance, and refer you to a neurologist when needed.
Common questions
What is the most common cause of peripheral neuropathy?
Diabetes is the most common cause of this type of nerve problem. High blood sugar levels over a long time can damage your nerves. Often, no cause can be found.
Can peripheral neuropathy go away?
It depends on the cause and how long the nerve damage has lasted. Sometimes, when the cause is corrected, it can resolve on its own as nerves recover and regrow. But sometimes, nerve damage can be permanent, even if the cause is treated.
Is peripheral neuropathy dangerous?
It is rarely life-threatening, but it can cause serious problems. Numbness in the feet can lead to skin sores that do not heal. In rare cases, numbness in the feet may lead to amputation.
Can peripheral neuropathy be prevented?
Some causes of nerve damage can be prevented. Avoiding alcohol or drinking only in moderation can help. Keeping good control over diabetes and other medical problems also helps.
Sources
- MedlinePlus - Peripheral neuropathy
- National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke - Peripheral Neuropathy
- MedlinePlus - Guillain-Barré syndrome
Medical Disclaimer
This content is for general educational and informational purposes only and is not medical advice. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and reading it does not create a doctor-patient relationship. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions about a medical condition, and never disregard or delay seeking professional advice because of something you read here. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call 911 (or your local emergency number) immediately.
