Neuropathy Relief: Treatment Options That Work
Medically reviewed by Dr James Bristol, MD, PhD · Updated 2026-11-14
Peripheral neuropathy is damage to the nerves outside the brain and spinal cord, most often causing burning, numbness, tingling or sharp pain in the feet and hands. The most common causes are diabetes, chemotherapy, HIV, vitamin B12 deficiency and alcohol. Treatment has two parts: dealing with the cause where possible, and relieving symptoms with medicines, foot care, exercise and, for some people, newer regenerative approaches still being studied.
Neuropathy treatment: what works
| Option | What it does | Evidence |
|---|---|---|
| Treat the cause | Blood sugar control, B12, stopping alcohol | Strong where a cause is found |
| Medicines | Duloxetine, pregabalin, gabapentin, amitriptyline | Recommended first line (NICE) |
| Capsaicin cream or patch | Calms pain signals in the skin | Moderate |
| Exercise and foot care | Balance, circulation, preventing injury | Good |
| PRP around nerves | Growth factors from your blood | Small trials |
| Stem cells | Aim to support nerve repair | Early research |
Burning, numb or tingling feet for months? Get the free guide and a doctor review of your scan.
Find your type
- Diabetic neuropathy: the most common type
- Chemotherapy-induced neuropathy: during or after cancer treatment
- HIV-related neuropathy: the most common nerve problem in HIV
- Neuropathy in the feet, burning feet, numbness and tingling
Can damaged nerves heal?
Peripheral nerves can regrow slowly, roughly a millimetre a day, if the cause is removed. Some damage is permanent, but symptoms can often improve. See can nerves regenerate?
Supportive care for cancer and HIV patients
If your neuropathy comes from chemotherapy or HIV, symptom relief can improve sleep, walking and quality of life. Regenerative treatment is considered alongside, never instead of, your oncologist's or HIV doctor's care, and it does not treat cancer or HIV.
Burning, numb or tingling feet for months? Get the free guide and a doctor review of your scan.
When to see a doctor quickly
Weakness that spreads over days, numbness climbing up the legs, or symptoms after a new medicine need prompt medical review. See when to see a doctor.