Peripheral neuropathy refers to the many conditions that involve damage to the peripheral nervous system, the vast communication network that sends signals between the central nervous system (the brain and spinal cord) and all other parts of the body. Peripheral nerves send many types of sensory information to the central nervous system, such as a message that they feet are cold.

Usually, peripheral neurophaty occurs in the feet and hands. Symptoms depend upon the cause but may include pain, tingling, and burning sensation of the nerves affected.

The causes may include diabetes, shingles, vitamin deficiency (B12 and folate), excess alcohol consumption, autoimmune diseases (lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, etc.), syphilis, kidney failure, inherited disorders (such as amyloid polyneuropathy), exposure to toxins (heavy metals, pesticides, etc.), and cancer therapy drugs. In some rare cases, statin medication have been linked to peripheral neuropathy.