Peripheral Neuropathy

What is peripheral neuropathy?

Peripheral neuropathy is damage to the peripheral nerves — the nerves that carry signals between your brain, spinal cord and the rest of your body — which often shows up first in the feet as numbness, tingling, burning or reduced sensation. Because your feet depend on healthy nerves for both feeling and protection, neuropathy is something our podiatry team takes seriously here in Tuggerah.

What causes peripheral neuropathy?

Peripheral neuropathy can have many causes, including diabetes (diabetic neuropathy), infections (such as shingles or Lyme disease), autoimmune conditions (such as Guillain-Barré syndrome), vitamin deficiencies (such as B12 deficiency), exposure to toxins (including some chemotherapy drugs and medications), traumatic injuries, and genetic factors. In some cases the cause remains unknown, which is called idiopathic neuropathy [1]. Diabetes is one of the most common contributors, and the nerve changes involved are complex and develop gradually over time [2].

What are the symptoms of peripheral neuropathy?

Symptoms vary widely depending on which nerves are affected. Common signs include:

• Numbness or reduced sensation, often starting in the toes
• Tingling, pins and needles, or a burning feeling
• Sharp, stabbing or shooting pain
• Muscle weakness or loss of coordination
• Heightened sensitivity to touch
• Changes in skin, hair or nail texture

Reduced sensation is particularly important in the feet, because it can mean cuts, blisters or pressure injuries go unnoticed.

How does Blueprint Podiatry assess and manage peripheral neuropathy?

Diagnosing the underlying cause of neuropathy usually involves your GP or specialist, who may arrange blood tests and nerve studies [1]. As podiatrists, our role focuses on the feet — assessing sensation and circulation, identifying high-risk pressure areas, and helping you protect your feet from complications.

Our podiatry team brings collective, university-trained expertise. Each of our three registered podiatrists holds a Bachelor of Podiatry, is trained in Foot Mobilisation Therapy, and is a certified Level 1 Running Coach, giving us a thorough understanding of how your feet move and load. For people with diabetic foot care needs, we provide regular neurovascular assessments and education to reduce the risk of ulcers and wounds.

Management may include footwear and pressure-offloading advice, custom orthotics (3D scanned and 3D printed in-house, patient-matched left and right), gait assessment, routine skin and nail care to prevent complications, and wound management where needed. We work alongside your GP and any treating specialists, because neuropathy care is most effective when it's coordinated. Our aim is to help manage symptoms, protect your feet, and keep you moving comfortably.

When should you seek help?

Please get your feet checked if you notice new numbness, tingling, burning or pain — or if you have diabetes and haven't had a recent foot assessment. Seek prompt care for any non-healing cut, blister, ulcer or change in skin colour or temperature.

Related services

• Diabetic Foot Care
• Wound Management