What is Peripheral Neuropathy? Causes & Treatment

Peripheral neuropathy is a condition that damages the peripheral nerves, the vital network that connects the brain and spinal cord to the rest of the body. When these nerves are affected, the communication between the central nervous system and the body is disrupted, leading to pain, numbness, weakness, or loss of sensation.

At Asian Vascular Hospitals, Hyderabad, our team led by Dr. G.V. Praveen Kumar, a vascular and endovascular expert with 20+ years of experience, specializes in diagnosing and treating peripheral neuropathy with advanced care.

Causes of Peripheral Neuropathy

Peripheral neuropathy can develop due to various factors, including:

Diabetes – High blood sugar damages nerves over time.
Vitamin deficiencies – Especially Vitamin B12 and folate.
Infections – Such as shingles, HIV, or Lyme disease.
Injury or trauma – Accidents or repetitive stress.
Autoimmune disorders – Lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, or Guillain-Barré syndrome.
Alcoholism & toxins – Long-term exposure can weaken nerves.
Medications – Particularly chemotherapy drugs.

Symptoms of Peripheral Neuropathy

Depending on which nerves are affected, symptoms may include:

Tingling or burning in hands and feet
Numbness or reduced ability to feel pain/temperature
Sharp, stabbing pains
Muscle weakness or cramps
Balance issues and difficulty walking
Excessive or reduced sweating
Digestive or bladder problems

Types of Peripheral Neuropathy

Sensory Neuropathy – Affects sensation, causing tingling, pain, or numbness.
Motor Neuropathy – Impacts muscle movement and coordination.
Autonomic Neuropathy – Interferes with involuntary functions like digestion and blood pressure.
Diabetic Neuropathy – The most common type, caused by uncontrolled diabetes.

Diagnosis of Peripheral Neuropathy

At Asian Vascular Hospitals, diagnosis may include:

Blood tests (to check diabetes, vitamin levels, and infections)
Nerve conduction studies (NCS)
Electromyography (EMG)
Imaging scans
Physical and neurological exams

Treatment for Peripheral Neuropathy

While nerve damage cannot always be reversed, early treatment can prevent worsening. Options include:

Medications – Pain relievers, antidepressants, and anti-seizure drugs like gabapentin.
Lifestyle changes – Exercise, healthy diet, avoiding alcohol and smoking.
Physical therapy – To improve balance, mobility, and strength.
Addressing the root cause – Managing diabetes, correcting deficiencies, or adjusting medications.

Why Choose Asian Vascular Hospitals?

20+ years of vascular expertise by Dr. Praveen Kumar
Over 20,000 successful surgeries
State-of-the-art facilities for diagnosis and treatment
Compassionate, patient-first approach

Patient Testimonials

⭐ “I was suffering from burning feet due to diabetes. Dr. Praveen Kumar diagnosed my condition quickly and treatment improved my life drastically.” — Suresh R., Hyderabad

⭐ “The team at Asian Vascular Hospitals treated my neuropathy with care and gave me confidence back.” — Anita M., Secunderabad

⭐ “Best place for peripheral neuropathy treatment in Hyderabad. Highly recommend.” — Rahul K., Gachibowli

⭐ “Dr. Praveen is very patient and explains everything in detail. My father’s walking has improved a lot.” — Meena P., Banjara Hills

⭐ “State-of-the-art technology and genuine care – I couldn’t have asked for better treatment.” — Vikram S., Kukatpally