Can chemotherapy cause numbness, and how can you cope?

Yes, chemotherapy can cause numbness and tingling often in the fingers and toes due to nerve irritation or injury called peripheral neuropathy. Symptoms can build gradually with repeated cycles and may be most noticeable right after treatment sessions. ^[1] These sensations may feel like “pins and needles,” burning, or reduced touch, and in some cases can affect balance, grip, or fine motor tasks. ^{[1] [2]}

What it feels like

• Numbness, tingling, or “pins and needles” in hands and/or feet. ^[2]
• Burning pain, sensitivity to temperature, or reduced sensation to touch. ^[3]
• Weakness, trouble with balance, or difficulty with small tasks (e.g., buttoning a shirt). ^{[4] [5]}

These changes often develop gradually and may worsen with cumulative doses, so early recognition is helpful. ^{[1] [2]}

Which chemotherapy drugs commonly cause it

Several drug classes are frequently linked to chemotherapy‑induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN):

• Platinum agents: oxaliplatin, cisplatin (carboplatin less commonly at standard doses). ^{[6] [7] [8]}
• Taxanes: paclitaxel, docetaxel, cabazitaxel. ^{[6] [7]}
• Vinca alkaloids: vincristine, vinblastine, vinorelbine. ^{[6] [8]}
• Proteasome inhibitors and others: bortezomib, carfilzomib, thalidomide, lenalidomide, antibody–drug conjugates such as brentuximab vedotin and T‑DM1. ^{[6] [9]}

Risk and severity often rise with higher cumulative doses, and some symptoms can persist after treatment, though many improve over months. ^{[7] [9]}

When to call your care team

• Numbness or tingling that is getting worse. ^[5]
• Pain, burning, or loss of sensation in fingers or toes. ^[5]
• Trouble with small objects (holding a pen, buttoning) or new balance/walking difficulties. ^[5]

Your team may adjust the chemo dose or timing, or add medications to ease symptoms when needed. ^[2]

Practical self-care strategies

• Stay active: gentle, regular exercise can help circulation and nerve health. ^[2]
• Protect from cold: wear gloves and warm socks; cold can worsen symptoms. ^[2]
• Safety at home: use sturdy, supportive shoes; walk carefully to prevent falls; use handrails and good lighting. ^{[2] [10]}
• Temperature caution: reduced sensation raises burn risk use oven mitts, test bath water, and be cautious with heating pads. ^[2]
• Foot and hand care: moisturize skin, check daily for blisters or injuries you might not feel, and trim nails carefully. ^[11]
• Lifestyle choices: avoid smoking and limit alcohol, which can aggravate neuropathy. ^[12]

Simple adaptations like supportive footwear and avoiding extreme temperatures can reduce pain and prevent injuries. ^{[10] [2]}

Medical treatments your team may consider

• Medication options to reduce neuropathic pain and discomfort. ^[4]
• Dose adjustments or schedule changes if symptoms progress. ^[2]
• Physical therapy to improve balance, strength, and safety with daily activities. ^{[4] [13]}

Early discussion with your oncologist helps tailor treatment and prevent worsening symptoms. ^{[2] [5]}

Complementary approaches (with your team’s approval)

• Acupuncture has shown promise for reducing neuropathy symptoms for some people. ^{[14] [5]}
• Certain supplements (for example, glutamine, B vitamins, vitamin E, alpha‑lipoic acid) have been studied, but evidence is mixed and they are not right for everyone; always review with your oncology team before starting. ^{[15] [16]}

Complementary options may help some users, but they should be individualized and coordinated with your care plan. ^{[14] [15]}

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Quick safety checklist

• Report worsening tingling, numbness, pain, or balance problems promptly. ^[5]
• Wear supportive shoes, especially if your feet feel numb. ^[10]
• Protect hands and feet from extreme temperatures. ^[2]
• Keep moving with gentle, regular exercise. ^[2]
• Ask about medications, PT, or dose adjustments if symptoms affect daily life. ^{[2] [4]}

Most importantly, don’t “tough it out” timely adjustments can prevent long‑term nerve damage. ^{[17] [2]}