What is peripheral neuropathy?
Peripheral neuropathy is damage to, or irritation of, the nerves outside the brain and spinal cord. It causes numbness, tingling, burning pain and sometimes weakness, usually starting in the feet. Common causes in India include diabetes and low vitamin B12; others include thyroid problems, alcohol, some medicines and kidney disease. A single trapped nerve, such as carpal tunnel syndrome at the wrist, causes similar symptoms in the hand. Finding the cause matters, because some causes can be corrected.
Neuropathy, Numbness & Tingling at Curewell Speciality Clinic: at a glance
- Who you will see
- Dr. Mailan K (MBBS, DNB (Neuro), DPM, MHA, FICP)
- Tests that may be used
- Blood tests such as HbA1c, vitamin B12, thyroid and kidney function, and a nerve conduction study
- Treatment approach
- Treatment of the cause, such as sugar control or B12 replacement; medicines for nerve pain; foot care; wrist splints for carpal tunnel syndrome
- When it is an emergency
- Weakness spreading up the legs over hours or days, or difficulty breathing or swallowing: call 108 or 112.
- Where and when
- #125, MM Road, Frazer Town, Bengaluru, Karnataka 560005. Open Mon–Sat 10 AM–10 PM, Sun 11 AM–10 PM. Walk-ins welcome; call or WhatsApp 74066 57632.
In India, one of the most common causes is diabetes, especially when sugar has been high for some years. Other causes include low vitamin B12 (common in vegetarians and in people taking metformin for a long time), thyroid problems, alcohol, some medicines, kidney disease and infections. Sometimes a single nerve is pressed — for example at the wrist in carpal tunnel syndrome, which causes tingling in the thumb and fingers, often at night.
Finding the cause matters, because some causes can be corrected and further damage can often be slowed. Numb feet also need extra care: small cuts and blisters may go unnoticed and can become serious, especially with diabetes.
What are the symptoms of neuropathy, numbness and tingling?
- Tingling, pins and needles or numbness in the feet, hands or both
- Burning, shooting or electric-shock pains, often worse at night
- Feeling as if wearing socks or gloves when you aren't
- Weakness in the hands or feet; dropping things, or tripping
- Poor balance, especially in the dark
- Tingling in the thumb and first fingers that wakes you at night
One of these alone doesn't mean you have this condition; most symptoms have more than one cause. Not sure? When to see a neurologist
Emergency
Rapidly spreading weakness is an emergency.
- Weakness or numbness that spreads up the legs or arms over hours to days, especially with difficulty walking, breathing or swallowing.
- Sudden numbness or weakness on one side of the body — this may be a stroke.
Call 108 or 112 and go to the nearest hospital now.
How does Dr. Mailan K assess and treat neuropathy, numbness and tingling?
Four steps, at Curewell Speciality Clinic, #125 MM Road, Frazer Town.
Step 1: Assessment
Dr. Mailan K maps exactly where the symptoms are, asks about diabetes, diet, alcohol, medicines and family history, and examines sensation, strength, reflexes and balance. The feet are checked for skin damage.
Step 2: Diagnosis
Blood tests often include sugar (HbA1c), vitamin B12, thyroid and kidney function. A nerve conduction study, which measures how well the nerves carry signals, may be advised to confirm the type and severity of neuropathy, or to diagnose carpal tunnel syndrome.
Step 3: Treatment
Treatment targets the cause where possible — better sugar control, B12 replacement, changing a medicine — and also the symptoms. Medicines designed for nerve pain are different from ordinary painkillers and are adjusted carefully. Foot care, footwear, and wrist splints for carpal tunnel may be advised.
Step 4: Follow-up
Nerves recover slowly, if at all, so follow-up focuses on preventing further damage, keeping pain under control, and protecting the feet. Doses are adjusted to balance relief with side effects such as drowsiness.
What should I bring to my first visit?
- Recent sugar (HbA1c), vitamin B12 and thyroid reports
- All current medicines, including diabetes tablets and insulin
- Any previous nerve conduction study or scan reports
- Wear or bring the footwear you use every day
Questions about Neuropathy, Numbness & Tingling
Why do my feet burn at night?
Burning feet are a common sign of peripheral neuropathy, often linked to diabetes or low vitamin B12. A neurologist can find the cause and suggest treatment for both the cause and the pain.
What is a nerve conduction study?
It is a test that uses small electrical pulses on the skin to measure how well nerves carry signals. It helps confirm neuropathy or a trapped nerve such as carpal tunnel syndrome. Dr. Mailan K will advise whether you need one.
Can vitamin B12 deficiency cause tingling?
Yes. Low B12 can cause numbness, tingling, unsteadiness and memory problems. It is common in vegetarians and people on long-term metformin, and it is usually easy to test for and treat.
Is neuropathy reversible?
It depends on the cause and how long it has been present. Some causes, such as B12 deficiency, can improve with treatment. For others, the aim is to stop further damage and manage symptoms. Dr. Mailan K will explain what is realistic for you.
Book a consultation with Dr. Mailan K
#125 MM Road, Frazer Town. Open Mon–Sat 10 AM–10 PM, Sun 11 AM–10 PM. Walk-ins welcome.
