Peripheral nerves are fragile, and they damage easily. A nerve injury can make it hard for the brain to communicate with muscles and organs. Damage to the peripheral nerves is called peripheral neuropathy. It's important to get medical care for a peripheral nerve injury as soon as possible. Early diagnosis and treatment may prevent complications and lasting damage. Diabetic neuropathy has no known cure. The goals of treatment are to: Slow the disease from getting worse. Relieve pain. Manage health issues linked with diabetic neuropathy. Help the parts of the body affected by neuropathy work better. Peripheral neuropathy happens when the peripheral nerves, which are located outside of the brain and spinal cord, are damaged. This condition often causes weakness, numbness and pain, usually in the hands and feet. Diabetic neuropathy most often damages nerves in the legs and feet. Depending on the affected nerves, diabetic neuropathy symptoms may include pain and numbness in the legs, feet and hands. It also can cause problems with the digestive system, urinary tract, blood vessels and heart. Some people have mild symptoms. This damage mainly is in the nerves of the arms and legs, called the peripheral nerves. Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease also is called hereditary motor and sensory neuropathy. Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease causes smaller, weaker muscles. It also may cause trouble walking, and loss of feeling in the legs and feet. Some people cannot tense their muscles. Nerve and damaged myelin sheath The demyelinating form of Guillain-Barre syndrome destroys the protective covering of the peripheral nerves, known as the myelin sheath. This damage prevents the nerves from transmitting signals to the brain. Restless legs syndrome can begin at any age and tends to get worse with age. It can make it hard to sleep, which affects daily activities. RLS also is known as Willis-Ekbom disease. Simple self-care steps and lifestyle changes may help relieve symptoms. Medicines also help many people with RLS. Peripheral neuropathy care at Mayo Clinic Doctors at Mayo Clinic are experts at diagnosing and treating peripheral neuropathy. They will work with your healthcare professional to help coordinate your treatment. Descripción general La neuropatía periférica ocurre cuando se dañan los nervios periféricos, que se encuentran fuera del cerebro y la médula espinal. Esta afección a menudo causa debilidad, entumecimiento y dolor, por lo general, en las manos y los pies. También puede afectar otras áreas y funciones corporales, como la digestión y la micción. Diagnosis Peripheral neuropathy has many possible causes. Besides a physical exam, which may include blood tests, diagnosis usually requires: A detailed medical history. Your healthcare professional looks at your medical history. This history includes your symptoms, lifestyle, exposure to toxins, drinking habits, and any family history of nervous system or neurological diseases. Neurological.