Peripheral Neuropathy
Peripheral neuropathy occurs when nerves outside the brain and spinal cord become damaged or dysfunctional. It commonly affects the hands and feet and can result from diabetes, chemotherapy, injury, autoimmune conditions, or circulatory issues. Symptoms like numbness, tingling, burning, or muscle weakness can interfere with balance, walking, and everyday tasks.
At Sparq Physical Therapy in Castle Rock, CO, we specialize in helping patients with neuropathy improve mobility, reduce fall risk, and maintain independence. Our one-on-one, function-focused care helps retrain the nervous system and restore confidence in movement.
Affected Area
Peripheral neuropathy typically affects the sensory and motor nerves in the feet, hands, legs, and arms. Over time, it may lead to muscle weakness, decreased coordination, and balance problems due to impaired proprioception (body awareness). It can also affect gait mechanics, core stability, and joint function throughout the body.
Symptoms
Symptoms may include:
Numbness or tingling in the hands or feet
Burning, stabbing, or electric-like pain
Muscle weakness or fatigue in the limbs
Loss of balance or coordination
Increased sensitivity to touch or temperature
Difficulty walking or climbing stairs
Foot drop or feeling like your feet are “slapping” the ground
These symptoms may be constant or intermittent and often worsen at night.
Treatments
While physical therapy can’t reverse nerve damage, it can significantly improve function, safety, and quality of life. At Sparq PT, we focus on maximizing what your body can do. Your personalized treatment may include:
Balance and proprioception training to reduce fall risk and improve stability
Strengthening exercises for the lower extremities and core
Gait retraining to improve walking mechanics and efficiency
Neuromuscular re-education to enhance movement coordination
Manual therapy and mobility work to ease stiffness and support joint function
Education on footwear, home safety, and energy conservation strategies
With consistent therapy, many patients feel more confident on their feet and regain control over their day-to-day activities.