Peripheral neuropathy isn't a single disease but a constellation of disorders tied together by one common thread: damage to the peripheral nerves, those unsung heroes that ferry signals between your brain, spinal cord, and the rest of your body. These nerves are the messengers of sensation—telling you the stove is hot, the breeze is cool, or your foot has landed safely on the ground. They're also the commanders of movement, directing muscles to lift a spoon or wiggle a toe. When they falter, the results can range from a mild tingle to a life-altering cascade of pain, weakness, and numbness.