Can alcohol cause numbness in feet?

Alcohol can have a toxic effect on nerve tissue, and alcohol abuse is a frequent cause of neuropathy. People suffering from alcoholic neuropathy may feel burning and tingling sensations in their feet, which may persist or may last from a few months to a few years.

How long does it take to get alcoholic neuropathy?

In general, it takes years for alcoholic neuropathy to develop, so a long-standing history of heavy alcohol use is typical. 1 Some heavy alcohol users experience a faster onset and progression of alcoholic neuropathy than others.

Can drinking alcohol affect your feet?

Too much alcohol damages the nerves in your feet, your hands, and other parts of the body. What that means is that over time, you lose your ability to feel. Your feet are numb and you can’t perceive injuries such as cuts and scrapes.

Does alcoholism cause neuropathy?

Alcohol. Yes, too much alcohol can cause neuropathy. Drinking is the second-leading cause of neuropathy, so the elimination of alcohol is the best thing you can do for yourself. If you abstain from alcohol, your neuropathy shouldn’t get any worse.

How does alcohol affect feet?

Meanwhile, drinking dehydrates your entire body which can lead to heel fissures as well as dry, flaky, cracked foot skin. One of the more serious ways alcohol can affect your feet and legs is a condition called alcoholic polyneuropathy, or alcohol leg for short.

What is the prognosis for alcoholic neuropathy?

Outlook (Prognosis) Damage to nerves from alcoholic neuropathy is usually permanent. It is likely to get worse if the person continues to use alcohol or if nutritional problems are not corrected. Alcoholic neuropathy is usually not life-threatening, but it can severely affect quality of life.

Can You reverse alcoholic neuropathy?

Reversal of alcoholic neuropathy is possible only if the underlying cause is treated and the progression of disease is stopped. For this, alcohol must be completely eliminated from the diet, the nutritional deficiencies must be corrected, symptoms must be brought under control and rehabilitation must be focused on.

Can alcoholic neuropathy be cured?

In most cases, even though some damage may be permanent, alcoholic neuropathy can usually be cured sufficiently for a person to resume a normal life. If some permanent damage remains, then they can mitigate it with alleviating medication.