Advice/Information Sheet
Orthopaedics
Version 2
This information has been developed to supplement the information a Nurse practitioner or Doctor has already given you.
Peripheral Sensory Neuropathy is the loss of feeling in your hands or feet as a result of nerve damage.
In the UK it is estimated almost 1 in 10 people aged 55 or over are affected by peripheral neuropathy.
What causes Peripheral Sensory Neuropathy?
There are multiple causes of Peripheral Sensory Neuropathy and sometimes we don’t know why it happens. The most common causes of Peripheral Neuropathy include:
- Diabetes
- Vitamin B 12 Deficiency
- Alcohol excess
- Physical damage to the nerves
- Chemotherapy / medicines
An appointment with your GP may be useful to discuss the management of any underlying health causes e.g. improving your diabetes management; reviewing your alcohol consumption; medication review.
What are the symptoms?
Symptoms include:
- Numbness
- Tingling
- Pins and needles
- Sharp stabbing pains
Your GP may also be able to provide medication to help manage the symptoms if they are affecting your lifestyle. The treatment of neuropathy can be long and difficult and there are many options that you may need to try until you find a treatment that is helpful.
How could Peripheral Sensory Neuropathy affect me?
Risk of foot damage: You may be unaware of an injury to your foot e.g. poorly fitting footwear, foreign body, blister, burns or scalds. If these problems are left untreated due to lack of feeling, you may develop a wound.
Infection risk – you may develop a wound on your feet and not be aware of it. This increases your chance of an infection.
Falls risk – you may have loss of feeling in your feet, meaning you are not aware of where your feet are on the ground when you walk, which could lead to a loss of balance.
Podiatry do not have a treatment option for Peripheral Neuropathy and would not need to see you for management of this condition.
Self-care advice
- Inspect feet daily for any cuts or sores on the skin, redness or areas of discharge.
- Wear well-fitting shoes with either laces or strap fastening, this will provide the best support. New shoes should only be worn for short periods of time.
- Check that footwear is free from any objects e.g. grit and stones before putting them on.
- Check the water temperature before submerging your feet. Use your elbow to ensure it is not too hot. Alternatively, ask someone to check the temperature to reduce the risk of burns.
- Avoid feet and legs coming into contact with direct sources of heat e.g. hot water bottles, electric blankets and sitting too close to the fire - wrap a blanket around your feet and legs instead.
Driving
It is important to note: Once you have been diagnosed with Peripheral Neuropathy and if you drive, you must notify the DVLA regarding the change in your foot health. This will not necessarily affect your right to drive.
Contact Podiatry
If you have a cut or sore on your foot that hasn’t healed as you would normally expect.
If you have a hot, red and/or swollen area on your foot.
If there is a sudden change in the shape of your foot.
Accessible formats
If you require this information in a community language or alternative format such as Braille, audio, large print, BSL, or Easy Read, please contact the Equality and Human Rights Team at: email: fife.EqualityandHumanRights@nhs.scot or phone 01592 729130. For people with a hearing or verbal impairment you can also contact the team through the NHS Fife SMS text service number on 07805800005.
