What is causing my peripheral neuropathy?

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Peripheral neuropathy, which is pain or numbness in the feet, can be caused by a number of factors. The most common cause of peripheral neuropathy is diabetes. Diabetic peripheral neuropathy occurs when the blood sugar level stays high and causes damage to the nerves and small blood vessels. This reduces the amount of blood, which carries oxygen and nutrients, that reaches the nerves.

Other common causes of peripheral neuropathy include chemotherapy, alcoholism, different autoimmune diseases, and many other conditions. Unfortunately, there are many times where a patient will have symptoms consistent with peripheral neuropathy but a true cause cannot be determined. While frustrating, there are constantly new studies, advancements, and treatments that improve the outcomes allowing these patients to find some relief.

by Dr. Andrew Schneider

Dr. Andrew Schneider is a podiatrist and foot surgeon at Tanglewood Foot Specialists in Houston, TX.