← What we treat

Peripheral Neuropathy

Peripheral neuropathy is damage to the nerves that carry feeling to the feet. It usually starts in the toes of both feet and slowly works its way up. People describe it as burning, tingling, pins and needles, electric shocks, or feet that feel numb or like they are wrapped in cotton. For many, it is worse at night.

Diabetes is the most common cause. Others include low vitamin B12, thyroid problems, kidney disease, heavy alcohol use, and some medications, including certain chemotherapy drugs. Sometimes no clear cause is found.

Why it matters for your feet

When the feet lose feeling, it becomes easy to miss a blister, a cut, an ingrown nail, or a rock in your shoe. Small problems that would normally hurt can go unnoticed and turn into sores or infections. Neuropathy can also affect balance, which raises the risk of falls.

What your visit looks like

Your visit starts with a history and a hands-on exam of the feet. Sensation is tested with simple, painless tools, and your circulation, skin, and nails are checked as well. This shows how much protective feeling you have and gives a baseline to compare against over time.

If the cause of your neuropathy is not known, we will work with your primary care doctor on any bloodwork or further testing that makes sense.

Managing neuropathy

Nerve damage usually cannot be fully reversed, so much of the care is about protecting your feet and catching problems early. That includes regular foot exams, callus and nail care in the office, and advice on shoes and inserts that reduce pressure and rubbing. We will also talk through options for managing burning or tingling and coordinate with your other doctors when medications are involved.

If you have diabetes, see our diabetic foot care page for more on routine care and wound prevention.

When to come in

New or worsening numbness, burning, or tingling in the feet is worth having looked at. If you already have neuropathy, have any blister, sore, color change, or swelling checked promptly rather than waiting to see if it heals.