Neuropathy

What is Neuropathy?

Neuropathy is nerve damage that can cause pain that may feel like burning, tingling, or sudden shocks, and it can make everyday life harder to manage. Neuropathy is a condition that affects how your nerves work. Whether it starts in your hands, feet, or elsewhere, the right care can help you feel steadier and more in control.

For many people, neuropathy makes once-simple tasks, like walking across a room or buttoning a shirt, feel overwhelming. It can affect not only movement, but also sleep, mood, and overall independence. Because neuropathy looks different for everyone, it’s important to get answers early and find care tailored to your needs. Understanding what’s happening with your nerves is the first step toward relief and better quality of life.

Symptoms

You might notice:

• Tingling or numbness in fingers or toes
• Burning or sharp pain
• Weak muscles
• Trouble feeling hot or cold
• Balance issues or frequent falls

These symptoms can come and go or slowly get worse over time. You don’t have to wait for them to take over your life before finding relief.

Causes

Neuropathy happens when nerves are damaged. That damage can come from many sources, including:

• Diabetes
• Injury or trauma
• Infections
• Autoimmune diseases
• Certain medications or treatments, such as chemotherapy

Risk Factors

You may be more likely to develop neuropathy if you:

• Have diabetes or prediabetes
• Drink heavily
• Have a family history of nerve problems
• Take specific medications over time
• Have vitamin deficiencies

Diagnosis

Your doctor may ask about your symptoms, do a physical exam, and order tests like:

• Blood work
• Nerve conduction studies
• Imaging
• A nerve biopsy, in some cases

These tools help pinpoint what’s going on, so your care team can plan what’s next.

Treatments

Care for neuropathy is tailored to your needs and what’s causing the nerve damage.  You’ll have a care team that helps you manage symptoms, so you can move with more confidence. Your treatment may include:

• Medications to ease pain
• Physical therapy to improve strength and balance
• Dietary changes or supplements
• Better blood sugar control, if diabetes is a factor
• Support with lifestyle changes, like quitting alcohol or smoking

Outlook with Neuropathy

Some nerve damage can be reversed if caught early. In other cases, treatment helps slow things down and gives you more control over symptoms. Every small improvement, like less pain, steadier steps, and better sleep, is a win worth celebrating.

Talk to your doctor about your treatment plan and your long-term outlook with neuropathy.

Prevention

Some causes of neuropathy can be avoided or slowed. If your hands or feet don’t feel right, you don’t have to wait. Get care now to protect your future movement, comfort, and independence. You can lower your risk by:

• Managing blood sugar
• Staying active
• Eating a balanced diet
• Avoiding alcohol or tobacco
• Seeing a doctor if you notice early signs

Why Choose CHRISTUS Health

You deserve care that sees you as more than your symptoms. At CHRISTUS Health, your story matters — every worry, every hope, every step forward.

Here, caregivers take the time to listen before they act, to hold your hand before a procedure, and to celebrate each small milestone with you. Care is close to home, shaped around your needs, and ready when you are.

From your first visit to your last follow-up, you’ll have a team that treats you like family — walking with you through the hard days and cheering you on through the better ones.

Because your health journey isn’t just about getting better. It’s about feeling understood, supported, and never alone.