Patient Leaflets — 8/11/2026

Tingling and Numbness in the Hands and Feet

Understanding peripheral neuropathy

Ayurveda & Integrative

What is it?

Some cancer treatments can affect the nerves outside the brain and spinal cord.

This is called peripheral neuropathy.

You may experience:

Tingling

Pins and needles

Numbness

Burning

Pain

Increased sensitivity

Difficulty walking

Problems with balance 

Why is it important?

Reduced sensation can make it easier to injure yourself without realizing it.

You may not notice:

Hot water

A cut

A blister

A sharp object

An uneven floor

What can I do?

Check your feet regularly.

Wear properly fitting footwear.

Take care around hot water and heating devices.

Keep walkways free of objects that could cause falls.

Tell your cancer-care team if symptoms develop or worsen.

Can Ayurveda help?

Some complementary approaches are being studied for cancer-related neuropathy, but no Ayurvedic medicine should be assumed to be effective or safe without assessment.

A qualified professional may consider gentle supportive approaches based on your individual condition.

Remember

Do not ignore new numbness or weakness.

Your cancer-care team needs to know about nerve symptoms because early assessment can help with management and safety.

This information is intended for education and supportive care. It does not replace consultation, diagnosis or treatment by a qualified healthcare professional. If you have cancer, do not stop, delay or change prescribed cancer treatment because of information found on this website. Tell your cancer-care team about all medicines, Ayurvedic preparations, herbs, vitamins and supplements you use. This is especially important for the Ayurveda section because interactions between cancer medicines and supplements/herbal products can occur.

Reliable sources: National Cancer Institute (NCI), World Health Organization (WHO), relevant national cancer-care guidelines, and appropriate peer-reviewed evidence.

Dr. Aakash Kembhavi

MD (Ayu-Shalya), PGDMLS, MS (Counseling & Psychotherapy) | Academician, Clinician & Researcher | Chief Editor, International Journal of Ayurveda

Founder of Cancer Support India.