Peripheral neuropathy is a disorder of the nerves in the feet and hands.
Nerves are the electrical wires which send messages to the brain from your feet and hands telling your brain what you are feeling. If the nerves are not working properly, they send inappropriate messages to the brain, such as pain, tingling, or numbness in the feet. Its symptoms may be present most of the day and even interfere with sleep at night. Peripheral neuropathy can be particularly troublesome and is often treated symptomatically with various medications to alleviate the discomfort. Neurologists at the NewYork Weill Cornell Medical Center of NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital led by Dr. Michael Rubin, are currently involved in a research study of the safety and efficacy of thioctic acid in reducing the symptoms of peripheral neuropathy in patients with diabetes.