What Is Neuropathy? Symptoms, Causes, and When to Seek Help

What Is Neuropathy?

If you have burning feet, numb toes, tingling in your hands, or sharp, electric-like pain, you may be dealing with neuropathy. Neuropathy is a term used to describe damage or irritation to the nerves outside the brain and spinal cord. These nerves help carry messages between your brain and body. When they are not working the right way, those messages can become weak, confused, and painful.

The most common type is peripheral neuropathy. It often begins with the feet and legs, but it can also affect the hands and arms. Many people first notice a mild tingling or “pins and needles” feeling. Others feel burning, stabbing, throbbing, or shooting pain. Some people say it feels like they are wearing socks or gloves when they are not. Symptoms may come on slowly and often get worse over time.

Common Neuropathy Symptoms

Neuropathy does not feel the same for everyone.

Common symptoms may include:

• Numbness in the feet, toes, hands, or fingers
• Tingling or “pins and needles”
• Burning or sharp nerve pain
• Extreme sensitivity to touch
• Weakness in the legs, feet, or hands
• Balance problems or trouble walking
• Reduced ability to feel pain or temperature changes

In some cases, neuropathy can also affect the nerves that control automatic body functions. This is called autonomic neuropathy. It may lead to dizziness when standing, digestive problems, bladder issues, sweating changes, or other body function problems.

What Causes Neuropathy?

There are many possible causes of neuropathy. Diabetes is one of the leading causes, especially for peripheral neuropathy. High blood sugar over time damages nerves and the small blood vessels that support them. Other possible causes include nutritional deficiencies like B1, B9 or B12, alcohol overuse, certain medications, infections, injuries, autoimmune conditions, and metabolic problems.

Neuropathy can have many different presentations; it is important not to ignore early symptoms. A person may think numbness or tingling is minor, but nerve changes can affect comfort, balance, walking, and daily function. Loss of feeling in the feet can also increase the risk of unnoticed injuries, sores, infection, falls, and foot complications.

When Should You Seek Help with Neuropathy?

You should consider getting checked if you have:

• Ongoing numbness or tingling
• Burning or shooting pain in your feet or hands
• Weakness or poor balance
• Symptoms that are getting worse over time
• Foot numbness with diabetes or blood sugar problems

Early evaluation may help uncover the cause and guide the best next steps.

Neuropathy Care in West Michigan

At the Advanced Integrative Health Center, we believe patients deserve to understand what their symptoms may mean. If you are searching for answers about neuropathy symptoms, peripheral neuropathy, or a neuropathy evaluation in Grand Rapids or Walker, MI, our team is here to help you take the next step toward better function and better health.

Ready to Take the Next Step?

Are you experiencing numbness, balance problems, and other neuropathy symptoms? If so, it’s time to schedule an appointment with our neuropathy doctor in Grand Rapids, MI. Call the Advanced Integrative Health Center at (616) 453-0600 or contact us online.

References

• National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. Peripheral Neuropathy.
• Mayo Clinic. Peripheral neuropathy: Symptoms and causes.
• National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. Diabetic Neuropathy.
• Mayo Clinic. Peripheral neuropathy: Diagnosis and treatment.
• Mayo Clinic. Autonomic neuropathy: Symptoms and causes.
• NIDDK. How Can Health Care Professionals Help Prevent and Treat Diabetic Neuropathy?
• NIDDK. Diabetes & Foot Problems.