Neuropathy

The neuropathy seen in diabetes is the result of poorly controlled blood sugar levels. In HIV, the mechanism of action of the neuropathy is not well understood, but thought to potentially be two-fold: Either stemming from a direct or indirect action of the HIV virus on the peripheral nerves, or as a result of some of the more common medications used to treat HIV infection.

Often, patients with neuropathy complain of tingling, numbness, pins-and-needles feeling, and/or burning pain and loss of sensation in the legs and feet. Because people with neuropathy often lose their protective sensations (their ability to sense things like temperature and pain) they can burn themselves without realizing it and develop open sores as the result of injury or prolonged pressure. Joints are particularly vulnerable to stress in people with polyneuropathy because they are often insensitive to pain.