Neuropathy, also known as peripheral neuropathy, refers to damage or dysfunction of the nerves outside the brain and spinal cord. It can lead to debilitating symptoms, ranging from mild discomfort to severe, constant pain. Neuropathy can affect anyone, but it is more common in individuals with underlying conditions such as diabetes, infections, or even after surgeries.

While the signs and symptoms of neuropathy can vary depending on the underlying cause, early diagnosis and intervention are crucial to prevent further nerve damage and improve quality of life. At the Neurology and Pain Management Clinic (NPMC) in Delhi, Dr. Gautam Arora and his team specialise in diagnosing and treating neuropathy using advanced techniques and personalised care.

In this article, we will discuss key signs of neuropathy that you should not ignore and seek immediate medical attention for.

1. Tingling or “Pins and Needles” Sensation

One of the most common early signs of neuropathy is a tingling or prickling sensation, often referred to as “pins and needles.” This sensation typically starts in the feet or hands, where the nerves are most affected. It can occur after sitting in one position for a long time, but if it becomes persistent or recurs frequently, it may indicate nerve damage.

What to look for:

• Tingling or numbness that doesn’t go away after a few minutes of changing positions.
• It starts in the extremities, such as the hands, feet, and legs.
• Recurring or worsening over time.

2. Numbness and Loss of Sensation

Numbness or a loss of sensation is another telltale sign of neuropathy. This occurs when the nerves that transmit sensations from your skin to the brain are damaged, preventing the brain from receiving sensory signals properly.

What to look for:

• A feeling that your skin is “asleep” or you cannot feel touch.
• Difficulty distinguishing between hot and cold sensations.
• Reduced or no feeling in your hands, feet, or legs.

If left untreated, numbness can increase the risk of injury, especially to your feet, as you may not feel pain or discomfort from cuts, bruises, or burns.

3. Burning Sensation or Sharp, Stabbing Pain

A burning sensation or sharp, stabbing pain is commonly associated with diabetic neuropathy but can occur in other types of neuropathy as well. This discomfort can range from mild to severe and may affect the hands, feet, arms, or legs.

What to look for:

• A feeling of burning or electric shock-like pain, often worsening at night.
• Sensitivity to touch or even the feeling of clothes brushing against your skin.
• Pain that gets worse over time and is not relieved by regular pain medications.

This type of pain is often described as intense and excruciating, which can significantly affect daily activities.

4. Muscle Weakness or Difficulty Moving

Nerve damage can lead to muscle weakness, especially in the arms, legs, or feet. This can make it harder to perform tasks such as standing, walking, or holding objects. If neuropathy is left untreated, it can progress to muscle atrophy (wasting) and may cause balance problems.

What to look for:

• Difficulty standing up from a sitting position or climbing stairs.
• Weakness in the hands or feet, making it hard to grip objects.
• Unexplained stumbling or a tendency to trip over your feet.

Muscle weakness can lead to falls and other injuries, making it important to get treatment early.

5. Sensitivity to Touch (Allodynia)

Allodynia is a condition in which you experience pain from stimuli that would not normally cause pain, such as light touch or even the sensation of clothing on your skin. This is a sign that your nerves are misfiring and sending pain signals to the brain even when they shouldn’t.

What to look for:

• Feeling pain when something lightly brushes against your skin.
• Sensitivity to temperatures that didn’t bother you before, like cold air or hot water.
• Pain that seems out of proportion to the stimulus.

This heightened sensitivity can make daily activities, such as wearing shoes or even bed sheets, unbearable.

6. Coordination and Balance Issues

Neuropathy can also affect the motor nerves responsible for muscle movement, leading to balance issues and an increased risk of falls. Damage to the sensory nerves can disrupt the body’s ability to sense the position of your limbs, which can impair coordination.

What to look for:

• Unexplained falls or frequent tripping.
• Difficulty walking or maintaining balance, especially in the dark.
• Unsteady gait, or the feeling that your feet are dragging or “stuck.”

If you experience these symptoms, seeking medical attention promptly is essential to avoid accidents or injuries.

7. Extreme Sensitivity or Pain in the Skin

In some cases of neuropathy, the skin can become extremely sensitive to touch or pain. Conditions such as post-herpetic neuralgia (a complication of shingles) or small fibre neuropathy can cause severe skin pain that feels like burning, itching, or stabbing sensations.

What to look for:

• Pain that feels like a deep ache or sharp sensation on the skin, even with minimal contact.
• Increased sensitivity to fabrics or environmental changes (wind, temperature).
• Pain that persists despite taking painkillers or applying creams.

This is often a sign of nerve damage that needs immediate intervention.

8. Gastrointestinal Issues

In severe cases of neuropathy, the autonomic nervous system (which controls involuntary functions like digestion) can also be affected. This can lead to gastrointestinal issues, such as constipation, bloating, and difficulty swallowing.

What to look for:

• Chronic constipation or irregular bowel movements.
• Difficulty swallowing or a sensation of food getting stuck.
• Nausea and bloating, particularly after eating.

These symptoms can severely impact daily comfort and may indicate that the autonomic nerves are being affected.

When to See a Specialist

If you experience any of the symptoms mentioned above, especially if they are persistent, progressive, or worsening over time, it’s crucial to seek medical attention. Dr. Gautam Arora at the Neurology and Pain Management Clinic (NPMC) in Delhi specializes in early diagnosis and effective treatments for neuropathy and its underlying causes.

Advanced diagnostic tools like nerve conduction studies, EMG (electromyography), and blood tests can help pinpoint the cause of your symptoms and guide treatment.

Treatment Options at NPMC

Once diagnosed, Dr. Arora may recommend various treatments, including:

• Medications for pain relief and nerve regeneration.
• Physical therapy to improve strength and mobility.
• Nerve blocks and neurostimulation techniques for chronic pain.
• Lifestyle modifications and dietary adjustments to address underlying conditions (such as diabetes or vitamin deficiencies).

Conclusion

Neuropathy can significantly affect your quality of life, but with early detection and proper treatment, many people can find relief from pain, regain mobility, and manage symptoms effectively. If you suspect you may have neuropathy or are experiencing any of the above signs, don’t hesitate to consult a specialist.

At NPMC, Dr. Gautam Arora offers compassionate, patient-centered care to help you navigate the path toward recovery and enjoy life with reduced pain and improved function.