Diagnosing neuropathy should of course be conducted by a medical professional. However, patients can get a better idea whether they might have it or not by looking over the most common symptoms of neuropathy – to see if those symptoms line up with what they are experiencing. They can also benefit from considering causes of neuropathic pain that might put them in a high-risk group. Finally, it is specifically worth looking at the differences between peripheral neuropathic pain and multiple sclerosis since the two conditions are so similar and, hence, often misdiagnosed.
Symptoms of Neuropathy
Many of the symptoms of neuropathy have to do with sensations – such as pain, pins-and-needles, burning, numbness, and touch sensitivity. Neuropathy is not limited to these discomfort-related nerve signals but is actually broader than that, extending in some cases to sexual or urinary impairment; gland or organ dysfunction; muscular atrophy or weakness; or paralysis.
Causes of Neuropathy
Beyond looking at symptoms of neuropathy, to determine if you have the condition, one of the ways to do so is considering whether you have experienced one of the most common causes of the condition: surgery, accidents, disease, or infection. In the case of surgery, if it is an amputation, you may experience a rare type of neuropathy, phantom limb syndrome. If you get into an accident, you may suffer neuropathy related to damaged joints, tissue, and muscles. Cancer, multiple myeloma, multiple sclerosis, and some other major diseases may lead to neuropathy as well. Finally, some people – particularly those with HIV, shingles, and syphilis – may experience neuropathic symptoms from infections.
PN vs. MS
Neuropathy is often classified within four broad categories: autonomic, proximal, focal, and peripheral. Peripheral neuropathy is the most common, impacting 7 in 10 diabetics, among others. PN is often mistaken for another common illness, multiple sclerosis (MS). To get a better idea on the distinction between those diseases:
- PN or Peripheral Neuropathy – Part of the reason it is not easy always to identify PN is simply how diverse the condition is. According to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS), there are more than 100 different types of peripheral neuropathy alone. However, the various strains of PN are all related, all involving some peripheral nervous system damage – meaning issues with the nerves that lie outside the brain and spinal cord. Symptoms are often felt in the hands, feet, or lower legs. Numbness, pain, and other abnormal sensations are experienced as the peripheral nerves stop working properly. Patients who have suffered for a long time with PN, particularly if it is advanced, may experience muscular weakness.
- MS – The symptoms of this disease are similar to symptoms of neuropathy, particularly peripheral neuropathy. The symptoms include uncomfortable sensations such as pain and numbness. However, a primary distinction in MS when compared to PN is that the former impacts the spinal cord, optic nerve, and/or brain — i.e., the central nervous system, not the peripheral one. In MS, the issue is that the central nervous system is damaged and unable to properly send signals to the peripheral nerves.
Recovering from Your Neuropathy
Do you think you might be suffering from symptoms of neuropathy? At Atlanta Medical Clinic, our groundbreaking treatment protocol not only helps relieve the symptoms of PN but also works to restore the function of damaged nerves.
5057 Stilson Leefield RdRd hello, I need information on nerve pain. Been told it’s a joint or a nerve. It is an electric shock actually feels like electricity. Started on my elbow. Now it is the other elbow, neck, leg, and foot. Do you have any idea what this is? Thank you, mek
Good afternoon! In order to assess your specific condition, we would need you to come to our office and be evaluated by our staff. Please call our office at 404-872-8837 and schedule a free consultation. We’d be happy to help!
Hey I’ve been having numbness in hands abdomen & upper thighs & feet it started with just the hands &after I had surgery from digestive issues the other numbness started but changed to pain hard to stand up feeling too weak &its like shock wave pains & i have been shrugged off I use heating pad to relieve.. I tried to tell post op nurse,GI, ER & primary doc the ER Saud not a urgent matter.. do now I’m having to search new docs
Hi Ashley!
We’re sorry to hear about that.
We will need to examine your specific condition before giving any medical advice.
She can call us at 404-872-8837 and schedule a free consultation. We work with various insurance plans, including Medicare.
I have developed neuropathy on one side of my body. From feet to top of my head. The burning pain is severe especially at night. I am on the maximum dose of gabapentin per day with no relief. Any suggestions? Please!!!!
Hi David! We are sorry to hear about that. Our clinic specializes in pain management and we would be happy to provide you with more information. Please call us at 404-872-8837. We work with most insurance plans, including Medicare.
I have something weird going on. I have NASH cirrhosis and PCOS and mental health diagnoses. I have gone to a neurologist a handful of times. While at my visits, we have uncovered a vitamin D deficiency which took care of some symptoms but others are now more prominent. I have itching, burning, and tingling, Numbness, and sharp pains Un various parts of my body from my face and tongue to my toes. The reason I mentioned the above illnesses is because I take medication. I have been prescribed a transdermal cream but I don’t get it. The pain jumps and I am supposed to use it 3 – 4 times a day. How? I also just had a biopsy to test for SFN. I am concerned about the biopsy site because I had the procedure 10 days ago and it is swollen. I am a mess. HELP!
Hi Merry!
We’re very sorry to hear about that. However, we cannot give any medical advice before we actually examine your specific condition.
If you’re located in Atlanta, Georgia, you can call us at 404-872-8837 and schedule a free consultation. Our medical specialists will be glad to help.
We work with various insurance plans, including Medicare.
I been diagnosed with peripheral Neuropathy.
I’m on 2200mg of gabapentin. It seems to control the pain. The pins, needles and numbness are tolerate. How do you treat different from this?
I have been suffering with pins and needles in my feet for over 6 years, numbness and cramps, mild foot drop. I have had a nerve conduction test which was negative for peripheral neuropathy, any information would be helpful.
Hi Kim! We are sorry to hear about your pain. You can call us at 404-872-8837 and schedule a free consultation. We will conduct a thorough examination of your specific condition and develop an individual treatment plan. We work with most insurance plans, including Medicare.
I had s consultation with a geriatric specialist who thinks I probably have Parkinson’s.?.I have pain and numbness in my feet plus arthritis. Do those symptoms resonate with Parkinson’s
Hi Nora!
Please call us at 404-872-8837. Our specialists will review your specific condition and come up with a personalized treatment plan. We work with most insurance plans, including Medicare.
I. I after I had the Covid 19 vaccination I got PMR in my neck and shoulder I also had numbness in my feet sensations that I affected my walking,burning,unsteady on my feet, falling,broke bone in my right foot, professionals say they are unable to say what is wrong with me, the sensation is moving up my body, can anyone help?
Hi Rita, we’re sorry to hear about your situation. Please don’t hesitate and call us at 404-872-8837. Our specialists will be happy to help find the best treatment for your condition. The first consultation is free, and we work with most insurance plans, including Medicare.
Can neuropathy be hereditary? My sister has been diagnosed with it. Symptoms began after several doses back to back of strong antibiotics. The symptoms of not being able to walk is gone. However,
Symptoms began with hot leg rash.
Now I have the leg rash and arthritis all through my back.
Hi Judy!
Disorders of peripheral nerves sometimes can be inherited, so there is a possibility of hereditary neuropathy. However, we need to examine your specific condition before giving any medical advice.
You can call us at 404-872-8837 and schedule a free consultation.
We work with various insurance plans, including Medicare.
I have been diagnosed with Sjogren’s Syndrome 8 years ago. Have avoided any drugs for that problem. Also have osteoarthritis and take anti- inflammatory for it. Lads always abnormal. Just last two months I have been getting pain, tingling and burning pain in my feet, ankles and lower legs. It is getting progressively worse. Not suppose to see rheumatologist until August. (Every six months). Could I have peripheral neuropathy? I also have experienced being tired all the time and a lack of energy. I do walk 2 miles 5 to 6 days a week. Pretty much wiped out after walk. Can you help?
Hi Debra!
Neuropathy can be caused by various factors. However, we would need to examine your specific condition before giving any medical advice. We specialize in treating neuropathy and we offer a variety of treatment options to our patients.
If you live in Atlanta, Georgia, you can schedule a free consultation by calling us at 404-872-8837. Our trained physicians will be glad to help.
Our clinic works with various insurance plans, including Medicare.
It hurts so bad I cannot sleep and when I lay down or sit down it is all I can do to walk
Hi Rebecca!
We’re very sorry to hear that. Please don’t hesitate and call us at 404-872-8837. Our specialists will examine your specific condition and will come up with a personalized treatment plan.
By the way, we work with most insurance plans, including Medicare.
Injested Benzene in lndustrial plant in drinking water and inhaled it many years, now I have lymphoma, lymphedema and possibly peripheral neuropathy. Can I get help and how?
Hi James! Sorry to hear about that.
We will need to examine your condition before giving any medical advice.
You can call us at 404-872-8837 and schedule a free consultation. We work with various insurance plans, including Medicare.
I had burning tingling and numbness in my feet my hands under my arms I’m losing my balance I’m having discomfort my lower abdomen all the way to my lower back I was diagnosed with a positive a colon card cuz this being neuropathy or it could be from night cancer test
Hi Mindy!
Burning tingling and numbness are common symptoms of peripheral neuropathy. However, we would have to assess your particular condition before giving any medical advice.
You can call us at 404-872-8837 and schedule a free consultation.
We work with various insurance plans, including Medicare.
Just had a blood draw 2 days ago. I have great veins and drank water before(only 1 vile). When she took the needle out, I got a shock, pain in site, like she hit a nerve! It hurt really bad and the tech said (I do not know why that happened!). Now the pins, needles at the site has gotten worse. What should I do? I’ve already left messages w/PCP and where it happened. What can I do to help
Hi Catherine! In order to assess your specific condition, we would need you to come to our office and be evaluated by our staff. Please call our office at 404-872-8837 and schedule a free consultation. We’d be happy to help!
I have seen a neurologist and been diagnosed with PN. It’s in my fingers, feet and lower legs. I have no pain but am noticing decreasing leg and hand strength and difficulty keeping my balance. My neurologist says there is no treatment other than pain management which I don’t need. I’m wondering if you have more information.
Hi Leslie! Our clinic offers a variety of neuropathy treatments. However, our staff would need to evaluate your specific condition before giving any recommendations. Please call us at 404-872-8837 and schedule a free appointment. We’d be happy to help!
I have been diagnosed with peripheral neuropathy but have no pain. Is this a correct diagnosis.
Hi Helen. Neuropathy has a lot of different symptoms which can vary between individuals. In order to assess your specific condition, we would need you to come to our office and be evaluated by our medical specialists. You can schedule a free consultation by calling us at 404-872-8837.
Can tingling and pain in your feet be caused by vitamin deficiencies?
Hi Carol! Thank you for reaching out. Tingling and pain can be caused by a variety of reasons. Please schedule a free consultation with our specialists, so that they can review your condition and develop a personalized treatment plan for you. You can call us at 404-872-8837. We work with most insurance plans, including Medicare.
Hello there my name is Tonya mells . and i suffer with neuropathycan you.ll help me please
Hi Tonya!
We’re sorry to hear about your pain.
Our clinic provides various treatment options for neuropathy. You can read more about those treatments on our website: https://www.atlantamedicalclinic.com/neuropathy/
You can also call us at 404-872-8837 and schedule a free consultation. We work with various insurance plans, including Medicare.
Our specialists will be glad to help you.
My feet feel spongy, as if I am walking on foam rubber (even while walking on concrete/.
I’m just curious to know I have neuropathy but I also have degenerative disc in my lower back, so I have chronic back pain daily. I also have to walk with a walker because my balance is bad, I’m also experiencing spasms, every time I move I stiffn up, is thus normal? I’m not really in any pain but my feet burn alot I take Gabapentin and flexeral which doesn’t seem to help much. I just want to know if the stiffness is normal
Hi Shawn. Neuropathy can have a lot of different symptoms which can vary between individuals. Our staff would need to evaluate your specific condition before giving any recommendations. Please call us at 404-872-8837 and schedule a free consultation. We’d be happy to help!
Hello, I feel like I’m going insane.
I have pain that can shoot through me, then disappear.
My right arm went numb for weeks, my toes go numb, I don’t seem to have much strength in my right arm or hand, and I often can’t hold things like paper or coins and things just drop. I have immense pain and burning/stinging in my knees and electric shock like feeling in my spine. I can be walking normally, then I limp, then normally again. I had an MRI which showed no lessons.
Hi Diana! We are sorry to hear about that. Our clinic specializes in pain management and we would be happy to provide you with more information. Please call us at 404-872-8837. We work with most insurance plans, including Medicare.
I had chemo five years ago and it on the bottom of my toes were numb right away but then this past year I started with I feel is neuropathy because it looks like I got a tan and I haven’t been in the sun it’s red and black and blue from my cast down to my toes now I’m noticing I got red marks around my eyelids and my mouth. I had pancreatic cancer five years ago I am now 82
Hello! We’re sorry to hear that. In order to evaluate your condition, we would need you to come to our office and be seen by our staff. You can schedule a free consultation with us, just call us at 404-872-8837. We’d be happy to help you.
I hope I have Neuropathy and not MS. My first cousin has advanced MS. I have been itching Out of control for 28 months. I have seen 19 Drs & none has even a clue what is causing the jelly bean bumps or the itching that is 24/ 7. Nothing help very much.. Antibiotic ointment w/ pain relief helps a little.Epsum salts baths & salt scrubs help a little. I need to sleep cause I cannot think..
Hi Janet, we’re very sorry to hear that. Please don’t hesitate and call us at 404-872-8837 and schedule a free consultation. Our doctors would be happy to help you find the best treatment.
Hello Janet, I have been experiencing these exact symptoms and no Dr can explain…it’s miserable. I wanted to see if you have found any answers?
I’ve been having tingling, numbness in legs, arms and face, also have a UTI. Could UTI cause any of these symptoms?
Hi Cindy! Tingling and numbness can be caused by a variety of different reasons. We would need you to come to our office so that our specialists could assess your specific condition. Please call us at 404-872-8837 and schedule a free consultation.
I was treated with radiation for prostate cancer in 2011 and have been diagnosed in 2017 with neuropathy of the feet… caused by the radiation treatment. The neuropathy seems to be getting worse. I am presently undergoing acupuncture of my feet once a week. Do you have any suggestions to relieve the tingling sensation?
Hi Dennis! Our clinic offers a variety of neuropathy treatment options. Please call us at 404-872-8837 and schedule a free consultation. We would be happy to find the best solution for you.
I have pain in the bottom of both feet, especially when I walk. It has gotten worst this year. I have been dealing with it off and on for 5-7 years.
Numbness is common and difficult to sleep. IBUPROFEN dulls the pain. The pain can shoot up my leg.
Does this sound like neuropathy?
Hi Michael! We’re sorry to hear about your pain. However, we would need to evaluate your specific condition in person before giving any recommendations. Please don’t hesitate and schedule a free consultation with one of our specialists. Our phone number is 404-872-8837. We’d be happy to help.
My feet hurt terribly. Every part of my feet….tops bottoms heels. Sometimes the pain will keep me awake at night. Usually when I awake and furst start walking they are stiff and a little sore but it doesn’t take long for them to feel better than the night before. But as the day wears on it just as bad if not worse than the night before. Along with it is pain in my legs. Aching in them. Especially the calves. I have been dealing with this for quite a while. I was diagnosed by my podiatrist with plantar fasitis. And I have bunions . These things cause a lot of pain. But more recently I am dealing with total foot pain. And some of the sensations feel like an electrical current in one area of my right foot. It’s painful to walk and sometimes the pain across the top of my foot can be sharp shooting pains. I have had cortisone injections in my heels and for the 2nd toe metatarsal. Last Sept I had what appeared to be an infection in my middle toevon left foot. After 6 doctors and 3 rounds of antibiotics I still have no answers as to what caused it. It us much better but still not right. Then in January the same thing happened in my second toe on the right foot. I’ve had extensive bloodwork and have seen numerous specialists. No answers. Frustrating!!!
Hi Delores! We’re very sorry to hear about your situation. If you’re located in Atlanta, you can schedule a free consultation with one of our doctors. We’d be happy to help you find the best treatment option. Call us at 404-872-8837.
I have heavy legs and trouble with balance. I am 77 years old and generally healthy. Not diabetic. I have degenerative disk disease. L3 L4.
an L5 S1.
My neurologist said I have peripheral neuropathy and had me get three MRI done. Looking at my entire spine. No compression of my spinal cord or root nerves.
I like your comments about my symptoms not caused by the spinal cord or central nervous system. So what to do.
Hi James! Thank you for reaching out. If you live in Atlanta, you can schedule a free consultation with us, and we’d be happy to help. Just call us at 404-872-8837.
my husband and I both have peripheral neuropathy diagnosed at same time in fall o 2021, had received all 3 covid vaccine at the same time, co-incidence??? We both have the numbness mostly in our toes and have been using light therapy , not sure what else we can do.
Hi Alice, we’re sorry to hear that! In order to assess your and your husband’s specific condition, we would need you to come to our office and be evaluated by our staff. You can schedule a free consultation by calling us at 404-872-8837.
Hi there- i had a csection beginning of may and since then I have numbness in both feet, like a dulled sensation to light touch. Can a csection/pregnancy cause neuropathy? Thanks so much
Hi Kristin! Thank you for reaching out. Neuropathy can be caused by a lot of different factors, and the cause varies between individuals. You can call us at 404-872-8837 and schedule a free consultation, so that we can review your specific situation and physical condition and find the right treatment for you. We work with most insurance plans, including Medicare.
I am type2 diabetic and have been experiencing a numbness and burning pain my left leg from the knee to the ankle. I have been diabetic for 6 years now and am about to get atorvastatin20mg a day on top of my weekly dulaglatide injection 1.5mg and daily empaglaflozin 25mg. I am worried about this statin,can you please advise.
Good afternoon! Our staff would need to evaluate your specific condition before giving any recommendations. Please call us at 404-872-8837 and schedule a free appointment. Our doctors would be happy to help.
I lean to MS and have for sometime. Balance is very bad and legs and arms are weak. Left leg drags when tired, can’t get off floor or have butt pain suddenly.. when. walking I feel like I’m walking in front or ahead of myself and if I stop suddenly will fall forward, etc. have had many falls for no reason.
Hi Sharon! We’re sorry to hear that. You can contact us at 404-872-8837 and schedule a free consultation. Our specialists we’ll be able to help you.