What Is Peripheral Neuropathy? Common Signs to Know

By Pamela Wagener, Business Director

Maybe it started as a little tingling in your toes. Or your feet feel like they are "asleep" more often than they should. Maybe your socks feel bunched up when they are not. Many people live with feelings like these for a long time before they learn there is a name for them: peripheral neuropathy.

This article explains what peripheral neuropathy is, the signs people most often notice, and when it is time to talk to a healthcare provider.

What peripheral neuropathy means

Your nervous system has two main parts. The brain and spinal cord make up the central nervous system. Everything else, the nerves that run out to your arms, hands, legs and feet, is the peripheral nervous system.

These peripheral nerves carry messages in both directions. They tell your brain what your feet are feeling, and they carry signals back to your muscles so you can move. "Neuropathy" simply means a problem with the nerves. When the nerves outside the brain and spinal cord are damaged or not working the way they should, it is called peripheral neuropathy.

Common signs people notice

Symptoms often start in the feet and toes, and sometimes the hands. They may come on slowly and can be different from person to person. Common signs include:

• Tingling, "pins and needles" or a buzzing feeling

• Numbness, or feeling like you are wearing socks or gloves when you are not

• Burning, sharp, stabbing or electric-like pain

• Being extra sensitive to touch, even to bedsheets

• Trouble with balance, or feeling unsteady when walking, especially in the dark

• Muscle weakness or cramps in the feet or legs

• Not noticing cuts, blisters or sores on your feet

Some people feel symptoms most at night. Others notice them after standing or walking for a while.

What can cause it

Peripheral neuropathy has many possible causes. Diabetes is one of the most common. Others include low levels of certain vitamins (such as B12), some medications (including some chemotherapy drugs), heavy alcohol use, infections, autoimmune conditions, kidney or thyroid problems, and injuries that press on a nerve. For some people, no clear cause is found.

Because the causes are so varied, a proper evaluation matters. Finding the reason behind your symptoms helps you and your provider decide what to do next.

When to talk to a healthcare provider

It is worth bringing up any new or ongoing tingling, numbness or nerve pain with your doctor. Get medical care promptly if:

• Symptoms come on suddenly or spread quickly

• You have a cut, blister or sore on your foot that is not healing

• You notice new weakness, or you are falling or close to falling

• You have diabetes and notice any change in feeling in your feet

Simple steps you can take today

While you wait for an appointment, a few everyday habits can help protect your feet:

• Check your feet every day for cuts, redness or blisters. A mirror helps.

• Wear comfortable, well-fitting shoes, and avoid walking barefoot.

• Test bath water with your elbow or a thermometer, not your feet.

• Keep a simple symptom diary: what you feel, where, when, and what makes it better or worse. Bring it to your visit.

You do not have to figure this out alone

Living with nerve symptoms can be tiring and worrying, and it can affect sleep, walking and the things you enjoy. At American Neuropathy Institute in Orlando, our team takes time to listen, understand your history, and talk through whether treatment at our clinic may be right for you.

Book a free 15-minute eligibility consultation to see if you qualify for treatment. Book online at americanneuropathyinstitute.com/book-online or call (689) 255-8144.

American Neuropathy Institute · 6001 Vineland Rd, Suite 112-A, Orlando, FL 32819

This article is for general information and is not medical advice. Individual results vary. Talk to your healthcare provider.