Peripheral neuropathy is a chronic and often life-altering condition that affects millions of people, causing pain, numbness, weakness, and loss of sensation. Common symptoms include sharp or burning nerve pain, tingling sensations, numbness in the hands or feet, difficulty gripping objects, muscle weakness, balance problems, and sensations that feel like wearing gloves or socks when you are not. In some cases, facial weakness or nerve dysfunction may also occur.
Peripheral neuropathy develops when the peripheral nervous system—the vast network of nerves that connects the brain and spinal cord to the rest of the body—becomes damaged or dysfunctional. These nerves extend into the arms, hands, legs, feet, and sensory organs and play a critical role in movement, sensation, and automatic bodily functions.
When peripheral nerves are compromised, communication between the brain and body is disrupted. Sensory nerve damage often leads to pain, burning, tingling, and numbness. Motor nerve involvement can cause muscle weakness, coordination problems, and difficulty with daily tasks. Autonomic nerve dysfunction may interfere with involuntary processes such as sweating, circulation, blood pressure regulation, and temperature control.
