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.
Hi my name is Bridget and I suffer with neuropathy I am barely able to walk any longer do you think your treatment would help me .
Hi Bridget, thank you for reaching out to us! 95% of our patients reported a significant improvement in their neuropathy after going through our treatment program. You can call us at 404-872-8837 and schedule a free consultation. We’d be happy to help relieve your pain.
Yes I e suffered from all the ways I hear systoms burning legs pins needles i take gabapentin. But now even with those i have to take 5 or 6 at 100 mlgrams please what are things I can do tobe comfortable I have my own landscape business and itssetimes almost impossablé to mow a yard please
Hi Steven! We are sorry to hear that. 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 help you understand how the treatment can help you individually. We work with most insurance plans, including Medicare.
I have degenerative disc disease and it’s gotten to the point where my hip hurts burning rubbing pain,my knees hurt and sometimes feel like they’re slipping out of socket,feet will go all the way numb and can’t feel the ground and usually fall
Hi Neolkie! We are sorry to hear that. You can schedule a free consultation, so that we can find the right treatment for your specific situation. Just call us at 404-872-8837. We’d be happy to help!
Hi! My name is Opal! I couldn’t tell you the times I have cried with pain in my feet! It is absolutely terrible and I still work!
Hi Opal! We are very sorry to hear that. Our clinic provides treatment for various foot pain conditions. You can find more information on this page: https://www.atlantamedicalclinic.com/foot-ankle/
If you live in Atlanta, you can call us at 404-872-8837 and schedule a free consultation. We’d be happy to help relieve your pain.
I have lost feeling in large area of my upper back and now it has spread down my thighs too. I have had brain and spine mri which came up clear but it’s spreading fast and getting worse. Doctor says it’s not MS so what could be causing it?
Hello Emily! We’re sorry to hear that. In order to assess your 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.
I have pain in the heal of my right foot. I was hit on my left side and it caused torn muscles. What would cause neuropathy?
Hi Sandy! 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.
Hi Brittany
I also have neuropathy and have a difficult time walking
Wondering will it ever get easier. I also have balance problems.
Hi Gwen! Our clinic offers a variety of neuropathy treatments. 95% of our patients reported a significant improvement in their neuropathy after using our services. You can call us at 404-872-8837 and schedule a free consultation. We’d be happy to help relieve your pain.
I had a knee replacement in 2017… My leg has been gradually stiffening until currently I experience nerve pain
and severe stiffening. Most recently (March, 2022)I suffered a severe spinal-chord injury which caused an inability to get our of bed and stand. My legs would not support me. It was diagnosed (by MRI) as a benign tumour requiring removal by emergency surgery….
Both legs are now similarly painful… Following surgery I had a concentrated course of physio-therapy to help me walk.
I am now walking with the help of a “walker”, but even then both legs are quite painful; sometimes unbearably so….
Can my nerve pain be relieved?
Hi Elaine! We are sorry to hear about your situation. Our clinic offers a variety of pain relief treatments. Please contact our office at 404-872-8837 and schedule an appointment, so that we can assess your specific condition and find the best treatment for you.
I have pains in my feet which worsens early morning but less at day time and after walking for a while with the feet.
It is been here for 5months now. Do you think this PN
Hi Etoro, thank you for reaching out to us! 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 am experiencing tingling all over my body
Hi Lupe! Please give us a call at 404-872-8837, and we’d be happy to set up a consultation to determine the best treatment option for you. Thank you!
I wake up with my foot feeling burning tingling sensation my legs have my left leg only has felt same tingling sensation in its lower muscle when I walk up hill being more difficult
Hi Michael! Please call us at 404-872-8837 and schedule a consultation, so that we can review your specific situation and physical condition and help you understand how the treatment can help you individually.
A couple months ago I experienced a pinched nerve in my neck, soon there after my fingertips started feeling numb & sometimes burn. I had an epidural steroid injection, but was told it would not help my fingers, & it didn’t. I am seeking help to get feeling back in my fingertips. What treatments do you have?
Hi Trevia, thank you for your question! You can find more information about our treatments by visiting the “Services” section on our website or by calling us at 404-872-8837. Our staff will be able to answer all your questions.
I had a l5s1 herniated disc 3 years ago and the pain as come back but this time I’m getting a burning sensation in my left foot is it something to worry about
Hi Charlotte! You can call us at 404-872-8837 and schedule a consultation, so that we can review your specific situation and physical condition and help you understand how the treatment can help you individually.
My legs are week. Numbness, my legs get tired and don’t function well
Hi James, we are sorry to hear that. Please contact our office at 404-872-8837 and schedule a free consultation. Our staff would be happy to find the best treatment option for you!
What can I do myself that may help with the pain.
Hi Jennene, what pain are you talking about? Our clinic offers a variety of pain relief therapies. You can find more information in “Services” section of our website. Or you can call our office at 404-872-8837. Our staff would be happy to answer all your questions.
Have severe pain Under my armpit to my fingers on my right arm I notice that temperature affects it
a tremendously I have MS Is it at all possible to make the pain go away without medicines I’m on gabba bentin up to 9 capsules per day with NO relief ! Can a nerve be removed without any problems ?At times I feel like amputation but, truly not my choice. How can you help me?
Hi Christina, thank you for reaching out to us! In order to find the best treatment for you, we would need you to come to our office and be evaluated by our staff. You can schedule an appointment by calling us at 404-872-8837.
My lower back aches as well as k have numbness and tingling in both feet and it’s now progressing to up to my knees and I’m very stiff legged in my legs it seems to be getting worse
Hi Patti! We’re sorry to hear that. Our clinic offers various pain relief therapies for back, knee, and foot. You can call us at 404-872-8837 and schedule a free consultation. Our specialists would be happy to find the best treatment option for you.
Hi
I have arm weakness… left leg weakness… some right leg weakness.. achy…. and some burning sensation…
Hi Rebecca! Sorry to hear that. You can schedule a consultation with one of our doctors by calling 404-872-8837. We will do our best best to help you.
2 years ago Dr. said I have a spinal compression fracture. Now my legs are giving me a lot of trouble. I have had diabetes for 30 yrs. I have had neuropathy in my feet for many years. Next week I will get a test for my legs because the dr said I have a low pulse in my legs. I am worried it could be PAD. How can they tell from the test I will be getting?
Hi Joyce! Thank you for reaching out. You can call us at 404-872-8837. Our staff will do their best to help you.
I am Australian residing here.
I have type 2 diabetes, have recently had Gaul bladder removed. Woke this morning with sore right hand side big toe feeling it had been crushed. I can touch it, bend it. I can feel the toe when touched.
Last diabeties , blood sugar test was 8. What do I do now ?
Hi Kenneth. You can call us at 404-872-8837 and schedule a consultation, so that we can review your specific situation and physical condition and help you understand how the treatment can help you individually. We work with most insurance plans, including Medicare.
Hello, I am at my wits end. I was diagnosed with peripheral neuropathy 5 years ago. I have been fighting this diagnosis ever since. My right hand is numb and the pins and needs and my right foot. My right foot I know why, because I wore too tight of a shoe for days. My right hand I scraped a window for several days using the same hand movement. This is on only my right dominant side. I live in Kalamazoo Michigan and the neurologists do not have a clue of what they are doing. I have a pinched nerve somewhere upper, shoulder, neck, elbow, but somewhere. I’m not a diabetic, not an alcoholic, yes at 33 I had a traumatic accident but I’m now 67 and always active with no pain at all. Please will someone listen to me? Linda Comer.
Hi Linda! We are sorry to hear that. Our clinic provides various treatments for neuropathy. Please don’t hesitate, call our office at 404-872-8837, and schedule a free consultation. Our doctors will assess your specific condition and find the best solution.
My name is Susan and I have fibromyalgia. For the last few months I’ve been taking 100 mg capsule of gabapentin 3times daily. It does nothing. I am experiencing numbness, tingling and pain in my hands legs and feet. What should I do?
Hi Susan. 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 find the best treatment option for your pain.
I’m recently suffering from peripheral neuropathy pain in my left hand and arm
Please help me to relieve the pain from post spinal cord operation
Hi Renate, thank you for reaching out to us! Please give us a call at 404-872-8837, and we’d be happy to set up a free consultation to determine the best treatment option for you.
Can neuropathy cause burning and aching in the whole body? I don’t get it in my hands, feet it’s more above my knees, above my elbows and goes into my whole torso into base of skull
Hi Stacey. 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.
Hi I have been diabetic since 2006 I also had two knee replacement in 2011 fell down in 2020 and had it replaced but this failed and had it again in 2021 which is better Now I suffer from what I think is severe neuropathy with all the described symptoms of Peripheral neuropathy I need your help
Good afternoon Grace! Thank you for reaching out. Our clinic provides several treatment options for neuropathy. Call us at 404-872-8837 and schedule a free consultation. We’d be happy to help!
I was diagnosed with neu
ropthy.However I have this ringing in my ears and buzzing in my head
which makes me feel dizzy that can’t be explained.My vitamin D is low and also my electrolytes.HELP!
Hi Sharon, we are sorry to hear that. Our clinic offers several treatment options for neuropathy. You can call us at 404-872-8837 and schedule a free consultation. Our staff would be happy to help!
I have a burning sensation on the soles of both feet and
seem to be strongest at night. My left hand has a prickly feeling of going to sleep on my thumb and 1st 2 fingers.
I did not realize that other
Symptoms mentioned might
Also be relevant to neuropathy
Hi Susan, thank you for reaching out to us! Please contact our office at 404-872-8837. Our staff will be able to help you!
On 31 Dec 2021, I attended Epe Gen Hospital after feeling weak for weeks. I was given double injections (one on each buttock) along with other medications. Immediately after the injection I felt even weaker. Next morning I was unable to walk property. To date, I can’t walk without support.
Good morning! We are sorry to hear that. Please contact our office at 404-872-8837. Our doctors might be able to help you.
I have the tingling and pain in some toes knees and some fingers. I am not diabetic, but I do have Thyroid disease (my Thyroid has died). Could this be Neuropothy?
Hi Gwendolyn, thank you for reaching out to us! Please contact our office at 404-872-8837. Our staff will be able to answer your question!
I have been diagnosed with sensory neuropathy
Several years ago. For
Several months I have had feet and hand numbness that comes and goes. Is there any treatment for the numbness?
Hi Letitia, thank you for your question! Please call our office at 404-872-8837. Our staff will be able to help you!
What about acupuncture; does it work?
Hi Ed, thank you for reaching out to us! Please contact our office at 404-872-8837. Our staff will be able to answer your question!
My PN began in my left foot two years ago. Now both my feet burn along with trouble walking and telling if the bath water is hot or cold. My A1C is 6.5 and getting higher but I can’t get my NP to prescribe medication for type II. I scared I’m headed for amputation as I fairly well bedridden. What should I do?
Good morning, thank you for reaching out to us! Please contact our office at 404-872-8837. Our staff will be able to answer your question!
I was diagnosed with autonomic autoimmune small fiber neuropathy by biopsy and other measures of sweating and poor cerebral auto regulation. I have the mthfr gene mutation, GAD65, hypopituitary ( hypophysitis) b12 deficiency, had lyme and EBV, And positive antibodies for neuropathy. What do you think the actual cause of the neuropathy is? I want to treat the cause Not the symptoms and i used to be so active and now I’m disabled. I was looking into IvIG but afraid to try it with having MCAS, i have been unsuccessful tapering prednisone as my adrenals can’t handle the slightest reduction and i also develop anaphylaxis. Does your office take insurance? Thank you- Michelle P-Physician Associate
Hi Michelle, thank you for reaching out to us! Please contact our office at 404-872-8837. Our staff will be able to answer all your questions.