September 19, 2026 | 14 Views | Latest newsCall Connect

Your feet have started feeling strange.

There is a mild burning sensation at night. Sometimes your toes feel numb, or you get a “pins and needles” feeling that does not disappear as quickly as it used to.

You may assume you simply sat awkwardly or that poor circulation is to blame.

But when these sensations keep returning, it is worth finding out why.

Peripheral neuropathy can affect everyday comfort, sleep, walking and balance. More importantly, the symptoms may be a sign of an underlying condition that needs attention.

What Is Peripheral Neuropathy?

Peripheral neuropathy occurs when the nerves outside the brain and spinal cord become damaged or stop working properly.

These nerves carry messages between the brain, spinal cord and the rest of the body.

When they are affected, you may notice:

Numbness in the feet or hands
Burning or tingling sensations
Sharp or electric-like pain
Increased sensitivity to touch
Muscle weakness
Loss of balance
Reduced ability to feel temperature or injury
Problems walking

Symptoms may begin gradually and can affect one area or several parts of the body.

When Should You See a Neurologist?

Do not ignore symptoms simply because they are not extremely painful.

Consider a neurological evaluation if you experience:

Persistent numbness or tingling
Burning feet, particularly at night
Repeated electric-shock-like sensations
Weakness in the hands or feet
Difficulty walking or maintaining balance
Loss of sensation
Symptoms that are gradually spreading
Unexplained nerve pain
Frequent falls
Changes in your ability to feel heat, cold or injuries

The earlier the cause is identified, the easier it can be to create an appropriate management plan.

Why Does Peripheral Neuropathy Happen?

Peripheral neuropathy is not one single disease.

It can have several possible causes.

Diabetes

Diabetes is one of the most common causes of peripheral neuropathy.

Persistently high blood sugar can damage nerves over time, particularly those in the feet and legs.

This is why people with diabetes should not dismiss persistent tingling or numbness as a minor inconvenience.

Vitamin Deficiencies

Certain nutritional deficiencies, particularly vitamin B12 deficiency, can contribute to nerve symptoms.

A doctor may consider blood tests when the clinical history suggests a possible nutritional or metabolic cause.

Other Possible Causes

Peripheral nerve symptoms may also be associated with:

Certain medications
Alcohol-related nerve damage
Thyroid disorders
Kidney disease
Autoimmune conditions
Infections
Nerve compression
Inherited conditions
Other neurological disorders

Sometimes, despite careful investigation, the exact cause may not be immediately obvious.

That is another reason not to self-diagnose.

Why a Proper Evaluation Matters

“It's just weakness” or “my feet are probably tired” does not explain persistent nerve symptoms.

A neurologist can assess your symptoms, examine reflexes, muscle strength and sensation, and determine what investigations may be appropriate.

Depending on the situation, tests may include blood investigations, nerve-conduction studies or EMG, which evaluates electrical activity in muscles and the nerves controlling them.

Not everyone needs every test.

The right investigation depends on the pattern of your symptoms.

What Does Peripheral Neuropathy Feel Like?

People describe nerve symptoms in very different ways.

You might feel:

Burning: A hot or burning sensation without an obvious injury.

Pins and needles: A tingling sensation that keeps returning.

Electric shocks: Sudden sharp or shooting sensations.

Numbness: Reduced ability to feel touch, temperature or pain.

Hypersensitivity: Even light contact, such as bedsheets touching your feet, may feel uncomfortable.

Weakness: Difficulty gripping objects, climbing stairs or walking normally.

The exact description can help a neurologist understand which nerves may be involved.

The Advice We Would Challenge

A common belief is “If the pain is not severe, there is no need to see a doctor.”

We would challenge that.

Nerve damage does not always begin with severe pain. Sometimes numbness or reduced sensation is the bigger concern because you may not notice a blister, burn or injury.

The opposite mistake is also common: assuming that every episode of tingling means permanent nerve damage.

Neither assumption is useful.

Persistent symptoms should be assessed so that the cause can be investigated properly.

A Real-World Patient Scenario

Consider a person with diabetes who begins experiencing burning and numbness in both feet.

At first, they ignore it because they can still walk normally.

Over several months, the sensation becomes more noticeable at night and they begin feeling less aware of small injuries.

A neurological assessment can help determine whether the pattern is consistent with peripheral neuropathy and whether additional evaluation is needed.

The important lesson is that being able to function normally does not mean a nerve problem should be ignored.

Treatment Depends on the Cause

There is no single medicine or treatment for every type of peripheral neuropathy.

If diabetes is contributing, controlling blood sugar becomes an important part of management.

If a vitamin deficiency is identified, treating that deficiency may be necessary.

If nerve compression is involved, the treatment approach may be different.

For nerve pain, a doctor may consider specific medicines designed for neuropathic pain rather than simply recommending ordinary painkillers.

Treatment may also include physical therapy, balance exercises, foot care and lifestyle changes depending on the individual situation.

Protect Your Feet

People with reduced sensation need to pay particular attention to their feet.

Check regularly for:

Cuts
Blisters
Burns
Swelling
Skin changes
Pressure sores

Wear properly fitting footwear and avoid walking barefoot if you have significant loss of sensation.

If you have diabetes or significant neuropathy, regular foot checks can be particularly important.

Considering Dr Vivek Barun

For patients exploring neurological care in Gurugram, Dr Vivek Barun is listed as a neurologist and epileptologist, with qualifications including MBBS, MD in General Medicine and DM in Neurology.

His listed areas of interest include peripheral neuropathy, epilepsy, headache, tremor and Parkinson's disease, movement disorders, dizziness and vertigo, Alzheimer's disease and other dementias.

When choosing a specialist for nerve symptoms, look for someone who evaluates the possible underlying cause rather than simply treating the sensation of pain.

Don't Ignore Persistent Tingling

A little tingling once in a while may not mean much.

But when your feet or hands repeatedly feel numb, burning, painful or unusually sensitive, it is time to stop guessing.

If you are experiencing persistent or worsening nerve symptoms, consider scheduling an evaluation with Dr Vivek Barun or another qualified neurologist.

Early assessment can help identify possible causes, reduce complications and create a treatment plan suited to your condition.

And if weakness develops suddenly, particularly on one side of the body, or occurs with speech difficulty, facial drooping or other sudden neurological symptoms, seek emergency medical care immediately.

Your nerves are sending you a signal.

It is worth finding out what they are trying to say.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What are the first signs of peripheral neuropathy?

Common symptoms include tingling, numbness, burning, sharp nerve pain, increased sensitivity, reduced sensation and weakness, particularly in the feet or hands.

2. Can peripheral neuropathy be cured?

It depends on the underlying cause. Some causes can be treated or corrected, while other forms may need long-term symptom management and monitoring.

3. Is peripheral neuropathy common in people with diabetes?

Yes. Diabetes is a major cause of peripheral neuropathy. Persistent high blood sugar can damage nerves over time, making appropriate diabetes management and medical follow-up important.