VNG · Learning Center

Peripheral neuropathy: everyday care

Understand your condition · Build safer routines

Sources checked September 2026

Understand & manage

Peripheral nerve problems can cause burning, numbness, tingling, weakness, or poor balance. Treatment depends on the cause, not just the symptom.
Check numb feet daily for cuts, redness, blisters, or swelling. Wear protective, well-fitting shoes; avoid walking barefoot and direct heating pads on numb skin.
Discuss balance therapy and foot care. Manage diabetes if present. Review medicines and supplements with your clinician; excessive vitamin B6 can harm nerves.
VNG reviews possible causes and may recommend nerve conduction testing when indicated, symptom treatment, and coordination with other specialists.

When to get medical help

Seek prompt care for an infected wound, spreading redness, or new weakness. Call 911 for sudden one-sided weakness, rapidly worsening weakness with breathing trouble, or other emergency symptoms.

Bring this question to your visit

What is the cause, and what foot and balance precautions do I need?

Education & translation notice

For educational and informational purposes only. This content is not medical advice and does not replace medical consultation or evaluation. Call 911 for any medical emergency. Do not change medicines or begin exercises based only on this page. Ask your clinician about new or worsening symptoms, falls, medication side effects, and the right level of care. For severe or sudden symptoms, serious injury, breathing difficulty, or another medical emergency, call 911; do not wait for a website, form, or chatbot reply. English and translated summaries can contain errors or become outdated. Spanish and other translations may lose medical meaning; confirm important instructions with your clinician and a qualified interpreter. Linked materials may have different regional emergency numbers; in the United States use 911.