Neuropathy: Clear Answers on Nerve Pain, Causes & What Helps

Got burning, tingling, numb feet or hands? That could be neuropathy — damage or irritation of your peripheral nerves. This page gives plain, useful info so you can spot common signs, understand likely causes, and try practical steps to feel better. No fluff, just what helps people manage nerve pain day to day.

What neuropathy feels like and why it happens

Neuropathy shows up in different ways. People often describe: pins and needles, sharp stabbing pain, burning, electric shocks, or a loss of feeling. Symptoms may be worse at night and often start in the toes or fingers before spreading.

Common causes include diabetes (the top cause), chemotherapy, certain infections, vitamin deficiencies (B12 is a frequent culprit), alcohol use, autoimmune diseases, and some medications. Sometimes nerve damage follows an injury or just shows up without a clear cause. Your doctor will look at your history, exam, blood tests, and sometimes nerve studies to find the likely trigger.

Practical steps to manage symptoms today

1) Control underlying problems. If you have diabetes, keeping blood sugar steady reduces ongoing nerve damage. If a vitamin deficiency shows up, replacing it often helps.

2) Try approved medicines. For nerve pain, doctors commonly use gabapentin, pregabalin, or duloxetine. If gabapentin doesn’t work or causes side effects, look into alternatives — our site has a detailed guide on gabapentin alternatives that explains options and trade-offs.

3) Use topical options for focal pain. Lidocaine patches or capsaicin cream can reduce local burning without many systemic side effects. They’re especially useful for localized areas like a foot or hand.

4) Mind your lifestyle. Regular low-impact exercise (walking, swimming), good sleep, quitting smoking, and limiting alcohol all help nerves recover and reduce pain intensity. Foot care matters: check your feet daily for cuts or blisters if you have numbness.

5) Try complementary supports. Some people find relief with physical therapy, balance training, or vestibular rehab when dizziness is involved. Acupuncture and certain supplements (after checking with your doctor) can help some patients, but results vary.

6) Watch side effects and interactions. Many nerve pain meds affect coordination and concentration. Start low, go slow, and report troubling side effects to your provider. If you’re on multiple medicines, ask about drug interactions.

Want more reading? Check practical guides on related topics here: "Best Gabapentin Alternatives for Seizure Management" for medication options, and our vestibular rehab piece for migraine-related dizziness. For specific drug questions, search our site for guides about individual medicines and safety tips.

If nerve pain limits your life, see a clinician — early assessment makes a real difference. You don’t have to accept constant burning or numbness as normal; there are clear steps that can reduce pain and protect your nerves over time.