HIV-associated distal sensory polyneuropathy is the most common nerve problem in people living with HIV. It usually causes burning, numbness or pain in the feet. It can come from HIV itself or from some older HIV medicines (such as stavudine and didanosine), which are now rarely used.
Treatment
- Keep taking your HIV treatment (ART) and talk to your HIV doctor about your symptoms; a medicine review may help
- Check other causes: diabetes, B12, alcohol
- A high-concentration capsaicin patch reduced pain in a controlled trial in HIV neuropathy (Simpson, 2008)
- Other neuropathic pain medicines work less reliably in HIV neuropathy; your doctor can guide trials
- Foot care, exercise and good footwear
Burning, numb or tingling feet for months? Get the free guide and a doctor review of your scan.
Supportive regenerative care
Regenerative approaches such as PRP or stem cells are early research for nerve symptoms. They do not treat or cure HIV and are considered only alongside your HIV specialist's care.