Peripheral neuropathy
Peripheral neuropathy
Peripheral neuropathy occurs due to the tiny blood vessels that supply the nerves becoming damaged and not supplying the nutrients that are needed. This leads to the nerves deteriorating, with the extremities affected first.
Painful neuropathy of the hands and feet, with symptoms including numbness, burning or shooting pain, tingling and paraesthesia (particularly at night), affects a significant number of people with diabetes, and can progress to persistent neuropathic pain.
Drug management usually involves amitriptyline, duloxetine, gabapentin or pregabalin, with tramadol used for acute rescue therapy and capsaicin cream an option for those preferring a topical treatment.