Do Your Feet Burn, Tingle and Feel Numb?

Take the peripheral neuropathy test Peripheral neuropathy is due to damage of the nerves of the feet, legs and spine. Neuropathy is one of the most difficult conditions to diagnose because symptoms vary from person to person. Having specialized in treating neuropathy for many years, it is quite common to hear exact opposite descriptions of the same condition!

The following are some of the more common symptoms of neuropathy:

Numbness and tingling of the toes, feet and legs—These sensations often start insidiously as slight discomfort in the tips of the toes. In time the condition may worsen and can affect the entire foot and lower leg.

Burning sensation of the feet- many people state that “their feet feel like they are on fire”

Iced cold feet- others experience the exact opposite sensation whereby their feet “feel like icicles”

The feeling of tightness- as if a heavy band is wrapped around the feet.

The odd sensation- of feeling as one is walking on sandpaper or cardboard. Loss of balance-many neuropathy sufferers are very unsteady when they walk.

The above descriptions are called subjective findings. Objective findings are determined by testing, usually nerve conduction studies. Such studies indicate the location and extent of nerve damage. Early diagnosis of the condition is recommended for two reasons. Early detection may help prevent progression of the condition and also new therapies are now available to help relieve many of the uncomfortable sensations associated with peripheral neuropathy.