Peripheral neuropathy is a disorder of the nervous system that presents as weakness, numbness, and/or pain in the extremities, typically beginning in the lower extremities. Other common symptoms include unexplained sensations, hot or cold sensations, tightness, and trouble with day to day activities due to loss of balance/coordination. The causes of peripheral neuropathies are not well understood, because in most cases people are told there is no identifiable reason. However, hardening of the arteries, diabetes, drinking, or chemotherapy are common causes. With a little bit of investigative work cause can usually be identified.