Peripheral Neuropathy Patient Education

What is Peripheral Neuropathy?

Peripheral neuropathy is a condition that happens when the nerves outside your brain and spinal cord get damaged. These nerves help you feel things, move muscles, and control your body. When they are damaged, you may feel numbness, tingling, pain, or weakness.

Causes and Risk Factors

Diabetes (most common cause)
Infections (like shingles or Lyme disease)
Injuries or accidents that damage nerves
Vitamin deficiencies, especially B vitamins
Alcohol abuse
Certain medicines or chemotherapy
Autoimmune diseases (like lupus)
Exposure to toxins or poisons
Kidney or liver problems
Family history of neuropathy

Signs and Symptoms

Numbness or tingling, often starting in toes or fingers
Burning or sharp pain
Muscle weakness or cramps
Sensitivity to touch or temperature
Loss of balance or coordination
Difficulty walking
Feeling like wearing gloves or socks when you’re not

Early Warning Signs

Tingling or “pins and needles” in hands or feet
Mild numbness or weakness in extremities
Pain or burning sensations, especially at night

Complications if Untreated or Not Following Treatment

Loss of feeling, leading to injuries or burns without noticing
Muscle weakness or wasting
Infections from unnoticed wounds
Falls due to poor balance
Chronic pain affecting quality of life

Treatment and Self-Care Measures

Manage the underlying cause (like controlling blood sugar if diabetic)
Take prescribed medicines for nerve pain or symptoms
Physical therapy to improve strength and balance
Protect your hands and feet from injury
Keep skin clean and moisturized
Avoid alcohol and toxic substances
Eat a healthy diet rich in vitamins, especially B vitamins
Regular check-ups with your healthcare provider

Common Medications

Pain relievers (like acetaminophen or NSAIDs)
Antidepressants (like amitriptyline) for nerve pain
Anti-seizure medicines (like gabapentin or pregabalin)
Topical treatments (like lidocaine patches)

Side Effects: Medicines can cause dizziness, sleepiness, or upset stomach. Report side effects to your doctor.

Dietary Needs

Eat a balanced diet with plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and protein
Make sure to get enough vitamins, especially B1, B6, and B12
Avoid excessive alcohol, which can worsen nerve damage

Lifestyle Changes

Quit smoking if you smoke
Exercise regularly to improve circulation and muscle strength
Practice good foot care and hygiene
Use assistive devices if needed for balance
Manage stress and get enough rest

Safety Considerations

Check your feet daily for cuts, blisters, or sores
Wear comfortable shoes that fit well
Avoid walking barefoot
Use caution with hot or cold objects to prevent burns
Keep your living space safe to avoid falls

Prevention and Maintenance Tips

Control medical conditions like diabetes and high blood pressure
Avoid toxins and limit alcohol intake
Take vitamins if deficient, as advised by your doctor
Stay active and maintain a healthy weight
Follow your doctor’s treatment plan closely

When to Call for Help

Call your Home Health Agency or Doctor if:

You notice new or worsening numbness or weakness
You develop sores, wounds, or infections on your feet or hands
You have increased pain not relieved by medicines
You experience problems with balance or walking
You have side effects from your medications
You notice changes in bladder or bowel control

Go to the Emergency Room if:

You have sudden severe weakness or paralysis
You lose control of your bladder or bowels suddenly
You have signs of a serious infection, like fever with wounds
You have severe burning pain that won’t stop
You fall and hurt yourself badly

Patient Homework / Assessment

Instructions: Read each statement. Circle True if correct or False if incorrect. If False, write the correct answer.

True or False: Peripheral neuropathy is nerve damage outside the brain and spinal cord.
True or False: Diabetes is a common cause of peripheral neuropathy.
True or False: Tingling and numbness in the fingers and toes are symptoms.
True or False: Alcohol abuse can cause nerve damage.
True or False: Peripheral neuropathy only causes muscle weakness, not pain.
True or False: Vitamin B deficiency can lead to neuropathy.
True or False: You should ignore small cuts or wounds on your feet.
True or False: Regular exercise can help with neuropathy symptoms.
True or False: Smoking does not affect nerve health.
True or False: Medicines for nerve pain can cause dizziness or sleepiness.
True or False: You should check your feet daily for sores or injuries.
True or False: Walking barefoot is safe if you don’t feel pain.
True or False: Managing blood sugar helps prevent worsening neuropathy.
True or False: Sudden loss of bladder control requires emergency care.
True or False: Eating a balanced diet helps nerve health.
True or False: Peripheral neuropathy can cause problems with balance.
True or False: You can stop medicines as soon as symptoms improve.
True or False: Keeping skin moisturized helps prevent cracks and infections.
True or False: Neuropathy symptoms never change once they start.
True or False: You should tell your doctor about any new symptoms or side effects.

Individualized Questions About Your Peripheral Neuropathy

When did you first notice symptoms?
What medicines are you currently taking?
Have you experienced any side effects from your medications?
Do you check your feet daily for injuries?
Are you able to walk and balance safely?
Do you have diabetes or other conditions causing neuropathy?
What is your usual diet like?
Do you use alcohol or tobacco?
Have you had any recent infections or wounds on your feet or hands?
When is your next medical appointments?