Sensory neuropathy affects the nerves that carry messages from the skin, bones and muscles to the brain. As the name suggests, it tends to influence the senses, in particular touch, and affects how we feel temperature, pain and other sensations. It is the most common form of neuropathy, mainly occurring in nerves in the feet and legs, but can sometimes occur in the arms and hands. It can lead to a loss of feeling and a failure to sense pain. For example, if you trod on something sharp, stepped in to a hot bath or wore ill-fitting shoes, you may not be aware of damage to your feet. This lack of sensation can lead to damage becoming worse, and the potential for infection. Neuropathic ulcers may also occur.

The symptoms of sensory neuropathy can include pain and numbness, tingling in the hands, legs or feet and extreme sensitivity to touch. Some treatments are available to help with the pain and tablets that are usually used for depression but can also have a calming effect on the nerves.

A test should be carried out at least every year, to check for signs of this type of neuropathy.