Some chemotherapy drugs can damage nerves between the central nervous system and the arms and legs. This is called chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN). It causes tingling (“pins and needles”), numbness or pain in hands and feet, and muscle weakness in legs.
For many people, peripheral neuropathy is a short-term issue. But sometimes, it can last a longer time or be permanent. If you experience numbness and tingling, tell your doctor or nurse straightaway. Your treatment may need to be changed, or the problem carefully monitored.
Wearing special gloves and socks that compress or cool your hands and feet during chemotherapy may help prevent CIPN. These can only be used with certain chemotherapy drugs, and they don’t always stop it developing. Ask your treatment team if this option is available to you.
Learn more about peripheral neuropathy.
How to manage numb hands or feet
- Take care when moving around; you may be more likely to trip if your feet are numb or your legs are weak.
- Ask your treatment team about balance exercises, which may help manage some of the symptoms
- Wear gloves and socks to keep warm. You can soak hands and feet in warm water to relieve symptoms.
- Wear shoes that fit well and have non-slippery soles.
- Clear walkways of hazards and remove loose rugs.
- Use your elbow to check the water temperature so you don’t burn yourself.
- Talk to an occupational therapist about aids that may help (e.g. posts to raise blankets off your feet in bed).
- If your symptoms are severe, talk to your doctor about medicines that may help or having a break from your treatment.
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Prof Desmond Yip, Senior Staff Specialist, Department of Medical Oncology, The Canberra Hospital, ANU School of Medicine and Psychology, ANU College of Health & Medicine, The Australian National University, ACT; Gillian Blanchard, Nurse Practitioner, Calvary Mater, Newcastle, NSW; Ken Colbert, Consumer; Laura Collins, Clinical Dietitian, GenesisCare, WA; Karen Gray, Consumer; Kate Lucking, 13 11 20 Consultant, Cancer Council SA; Louise Moodie, Director of Dietetics, Mackay Hospital and Health Service, QLD; Dr Shivanshan Pathmanathan, Medical Oncologist, Townsville Cancer Centre, Townsville University Hospital, QLD; Dr Marissa Ryan, Acting Consultant Pharmacist (Cancer), Princess Alexandra Hospital, Woolloongabba, QLD; Jayne Watson, Clinic Nurse Consultant, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, VIC; Stephanie Webster, Consumer.
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