Symptoms of neuropathy

Neuropathy symptoms depend on which nerves are affected. They often develop slowly over months or years.

Sensory nerves

• Numbness or reduced feeling in the feet and hands, like wearing gloves or socks
• Tingling, pins and needles
• Burning, stabbing or electric pain
• Pain from light touch, worse at night
• Not feeling heat, cold or injuries

Motor nerves

• Muscle weakness, cramps and twitching
• Trouble gripping, buttoning or holding things
• Foot drop and tripping
• Muscle wasting over time

Autonomic nerves

• Dizziness when standing
• Excess or no sweating
• Constipation, diarrhoea, early fullness
• Bladder problems
• Sexual dysfunction

Complications you may notice

Unnoticed cuts, blisters or sores on the feet, deformity, and falls from poor balance.

When to see a doctor

Any new numbness, tingling or weakness that lasts more than a few days, especially if you have diabetes.

Emergency (112 or 102): sudden weakness, trouble breathing or swallowing, rapidly worsening weakness in the legs, or loss of bladder control.