Burning, numb or electric feet that are worse at night. The cause matters, because some causes are reversible.
What it is
Damage to the small nerves, usually beginning in the longest ones — hence feet first, then hands.
Diabetes and prediabetes are the commonest causes in this region, but B12 deficiency, thyroid disease, alcohol, chemotherapy and several medications all produce it.
How it usually presents
- Burning, tingling or numbness starting in the toes and moving up.
- Worse at night and in bed.
- A sensation of walking on gravel or of socks that are not there.
- Loss of balance in the dark.
How we treat it
- EMG and nerve conduction study to confirm and characterise it.
- Bloodwork for the reversible causes — this is frequently skipped elsewhere and it is where treatable disease is found.
- Metabolic treatment where glucose is the driver, because nothing else works as well if that is left running.
- Medication aimed at nerve pain specifically; ordinary painkillers do very little here.
To be assessed, call (314) 310-5577 or request an appointment. If this began with a crash or a fall, see accident and injury care.
Common questions
Can neuropathy be reversed?
Some can. Where the cause is B12 deficiency or early glucose dysregulation, treating the cause can genuinely improve nerve function. Long-standing damage is harder.
I am not diabetic. Why do I have this?
Prediabetes damages small nerves before blood sugar reaches diabetic range, and it often goes untested.
Hurt in an accident? Start here.
You do not need a lawyer, a police report or a referral to be seen. Bring your symptoms and we will work out the rest.
Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Same-day appointments are often available for new accident and injury patients.