Dealing with drug side effects

January 2004     View PDF     En español

Peripheral neuropathy

Peripheral neuropathy is caused by damage to nerves. When these nerves are damaged, it can cause a sensation of burning, stinging, stiffness, tickling or numbness in the feet, toes or hands. These sensations can be mild or severe enough to prevent someone from being able to walk. Peripheral neuropathy can be caused by HIV itself or as a side effect of certain anti-HIV drugs or drugs to treat opportunistic infections.

Treatment of peripheral neuropathy usually involves stopping or decreasing the offending drug. This usually results in clearing up the symptoms. However, there is no drug that can reverse nerve damage. Talk to your doctor if you have signs of peripheral neuropathy. If neuropathy is severe, it’s a good idea to consult a doctor that specializes in pain management.

Tips for peripheral neuropathy

• Wear loose-fitting shoes, roomy cotton socks, and padded slippers around the house. Good air circulation around the feet helps.
• Keep feet uncovered in bed. Bedding that presses down on your toes can add to the problem.
• Walk around, but not too much. Walking helps blood circulate in the feet (a good thing), but too much walking or standing can make the problem worse.
• Soak feet in ice water to reduce foot pain.
• Massage your feet. This reduces foot pain temporarily.
• Try ibuprofen to reduce pain and swelling.
• Use L-acetyl carnitine (available at health food stores or through prescription) to prevent the peripheral neuropathy related to ddI, d4T and/or hydroxyurea.