University of Iowa Health Science Relations and
Matthew L. Lanternier, MD
Assistant Professor of Family Medicine
First Published: November 2000
Last Revised: September 2003
Peer Review Status: Internally Peer Reviewed

It's not a very inviting recipe. Tingling hands or feet + pain + hypersensitivity + numbness = peripheral neuropathy.

But it is part of the recipe of life for many Americans.

Peripheral neuropathy is not a specific disease but a combination of several conditions that damage the peripheral nerves that carry signals between the brain and the muscles and skin. It often causes pain, tingling, hypersensitivity, or numbness in an arm or leg.

There are many causes for peripheral neuropathy, and age is one of them. Three to four percent of Americans over the age of 55 are affected by this multi-symptom condition. Other causes include Lyme disease, HIV, alcoholism, B12 deficiency, or diabetes. In fact, diabetes is one of the most common causes of peripheral neuropathy.

"When I examine an older person and see some of the symptoms of peripheral neuropathy, I look at how it will affect that person's ability to function on a day-to-day basis," says Matthew Lanternier, MD, UI Family Care, Southeast Iowa City. "Does it affect the number of falls the patient has or what they are capable of doing for themselves."

"There are treatments, both prescription and over-the-counter, available to treat some of the symptoms," he says. "The cause of the disorder determines if there is a cure, and in many cases, there is no cure."

Special safety precautions may be needed as you face an increased risk of falls because of the numbness in your feet. Many patients say they are unsure "where their feet are." In addition, you should frequently examine the areas affected by peripheral neuropathy to make sure sores and other abnormalities are treated because peripheral neuropathy often limits the feeling of pain associated with sores or ulcers.

The treatment for peripheral neuropathy depends on its cause. Some prescription and over-the-counter medications can help decrease the pain, regardless of the underlying cause.

What you can do at home

Acetaminophen, ibuprofen, and aspirin can help reduce the pain.

Avoid tight shoes and irritating socks. They can worsen the pain and tingling. Wear soft loose cotton socks and padded shoes.

Soak your feet or hands in cold water, but not ice water, for 15 minutes, twice a day.

Gentle massage helps improve circulation and stimulate nerves.

Get enough sleep and try to eliminate as much stress as possible from your life.

If you are diabetic, control blood sugars.

Don't use alcohol.

Stop or decrease smoking.

Attend to all sores, ulcers or other abnormalities on your hands and feet.