Symptoms
- Tingling and numbness in extremities
- Burning or sharp pain
- Sensitivity to touch
- Muscle weakness
- Loss of coordination
- Balance problems
Common causes
- Diabetes (most common cause)
- Vitamin B12 deficiency
- Alcohol abuse
- Autoimmune diseases
- Infections
- Certain medications (chemotherapy)
How physiotherapy helps
Treatment includes sensory re-education, balance training, pain management, strengthening exercises, desensitisation techniques, and fall prevention strategies.
Exercises your physiotherapist may give you
- Balance exercises (eyes open to eyes closed)
- Toe and finger dexterity exercises
- Walking on different surfaces
- Calf and ankle strengthening
- Sensory stimulation activities
- Proprioception training
Please note: start these exercises only after an assessment, and stop if pain increases. Your physiotherapist will choose the right exercises, number of repetitions and progression for you.
Guide written by the physiotherapists of CAPT – Centre for Advanced Physiotherapy, MVM Educational Trust. For more reading, search MedlinePlus (U.S. National Library of Medicine).