External Causes

• There are a great number of factors that can lead to peripheral neuropathy. Some of those causes can come from an external source, such as trauma or pressure to a nerve. This pressure can come from using crutches or putting your body in an unnatural position. Too much time spent at the keyboard can also compress nerves and lead to peripheral neuropathy. People who are alcoholics are also prone to peripheral neuropathy since excessive alcohol intake can lead to a vitamin deficiency. Finally, peripheral neuropathy can occur if a person is exposed to certain toxins, such as heavy metals.
  
  

Physiological Causes

• Most often, the cause of peripheral neuropathy comes from an internal source. Diseases, such as diabetes, kidney and liver problems and hypothyroidism, can all cause the condition. Damage to several nerves is almost always done by diabetes and, according to the Mayo Clinic, half of the people who suffer from diabetes will develop peripheral neuropathy. People with auto-immune diseases, such as lupus, Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease and rheumatoid arthritis are also susceptible. Abnormal bone growth and tumors can compress also nerves. With so many different underlying causes, figuring out the exact problem can be difficult for you and your physician.