Why do I have numbness, tingling and painful sensations in
my leg after undergoing chemotherapy
Unfortunately, some chemotherapeutic drugs can affect nerves
and induce peripheral neuropathy. Common chemotherapeutic drugs that have been
linked to neuropathy include vincristine, docetaxel, cisplatin and paclitaxel.
In general, these drugs affect the nerves in the hands and feet. Some patients
may complain of pain or paresthesias in the fingertips. In rare cases, there
may be muscle weakness of the finger, toe of foot.
In most people, the numbness or tingling pain sensation is
not severe and does not affect daily living activities. However, if the
symptoms are severe, your doctor may decide to discontinue the medications.
Most cases of peripheral neuropathy, which occur with
chemotherapeutic drugs generally, improve once the medication has been stopped.
This recovery may take anywhere from a few months to a few years. Unfortunately
in some people with severe neuropathy, the symptoms may not completely recover
If you continue to have neuropathy symptoms, speak to your
doctor. The decision to continue your medications will be made on the severity
of the symptoms and the impairment that you have.
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