Peripheral neuropathy: numb, tingling or burning feet and hands

What is peripheral neuropathy?

Peripheral neuropathy means damage to the nerves that carry signals between the brain and spinal cord and the rest of the body. These nerves control sensation, movement and some automatic functions, so damage can show up as pain, numbness or weakness, usually starting in the feet and hands.

What causes it?

It often develops from another condition or exposure, for example:

• Diabetes
• Nutritional and vitamin deficiencies, such as low vitamin B12
• Heavy alcohol use
• Autoimmune conditions such as lupus, rheumatoid arthritis and scleroderma
• HIV
• Chemotherapy
• Side effects of some other medications

Sometimes no cause is found. Either way, it is important that your doctor has assessed your symptoms, because some causes are treatable and some need close monitoring.

What are the symptoms?

The most common description is burning pain or "pins and needles" in the feet or hands. The feet and legs are usually affected before the hands and arms. Other symptoms include:

• Numbness
• Burning pain
• Tingling or prickling
• Sensitivity to touch
• Muscle weakness
• Wasting of the muscles in the arms or legs

If numbness or weakness comes on suddenly, spreads quickly, or affects one side of the body, get medical help right away.

Who does it affect?

Neuropathy is more common in middle-aged and older adults, and in people with diabetes. Pain, numbness and poor balance can affect mobility and raise the risk of falls. Losing independence can also lead to low mood and isolation, which is why support for daily function matters as much as the pain itself.

How does Traditional Chinese Medicine view neuropathy?

In Chinese medicine, peripheral neuropathy is mainly understood as blood stagnation: blood not flowing well to the hands and feet, so the nerves there are poorly nourished. In Western terms, poorly controlled blood sugar can damage the small blood vessels that feed the nerves over time.

That's why we combine three approaches. Acupuncture is used to support circulation to the affected areas. Chinese herbs are chosen to support blood flow according to your TCM pattern. Nutrition helps steady blood sugar, which matters for nerve health. Results vary, and your doctor stays involved, especially for managing diabetes.

Because many different things can lead to the same symptoms, TCM looks at the whole picture: your symptoms, medical history, lifestyle and physical characteristics. Pulse diagnosis is part of that assessment.

What does treatment involve?

Treatment is built around your pattern and your medical situation. It may include:

• Acupuncture. Fine needles are placed to encourage blood flow to the affected areas and to influence how the nervous system processes pain. Research on acupuncture for neuropathy is growing, including for diabetic and chemotherapy-related neuropathy, and results vary.
• Electro-acupuncture. A mild electrical current is passed between some needles to stimulate a larger area around the affected nerves.
• Chinese herbs. Formulas are chosen to suit your pattern. Some herbs interact with medications, so we need a full list of what you take.

How does this fit with medical care?

Medical care identifies the cause of neuropathy, manages conditions such as diabetes, and may prescribe medication for nerve pain. TCM looks at the body as a whole and aims to support comfort and function. The two can work side by side. Nerve pain medications such as pregabalin can help many people, and like any medication they carry possible side effects that your doctor will discuss with you. Never stop or change them on your own. If you are interested in reducing medication over time, that is a conversation to have with your doctor.

What happens at a first visit?

At your first visit, Dalibor asks about your diagnosis, symptoms, medications and how neuropathy affects your day. He checks your pulse and looks at your feet if they are affected. You hear the plan and the cost before treatment. Your first visit is an initial examination ($110, about 60 minutes) followed by your first acupuncture treatment ($120).

Next steps

If your neuropathy is linked to diabetes, see how we support type 2 diabetes care in Mississauga. The clinic is at Unit 229, 1550 Enterprise Rd, near Hwy 401 and Dixie, with free parking. If you have questions, email info@aculosophy.com or call 647-342-2281. When you are ready, book a first visit.

Common questions

Can acupuncture help neuropathy in the feet?

Acupuncture and electro-acupuncture are used to help with numbness, tingling and burning, as part of your wider care. Results vary from person to person, so Dalibor reviews your progress with you after the first few treatments.

Is neuropathy from diabetes treated differently?

Keeping blood sugar steady is part of the plan, so treatment may include nutrition support alongside acupuncture. Your doctor stays in charge of your diabetes care.

When should I see a doctor about numb feet?

Promptly if numbness or weakness is new or spreading quickly, if you have a foot wound that won't heal, or if you've lost feeling enough to not notice injuries.

I don't live in Mississauga. Can I still come?

Yes. The clinic is near Hwy 401 and Dixie Road with free parking, easy to reach from Toronto, Etobicoke, Brampton and Oakville.

Is acupuncture safe if I have diabetes?

Acupuncture with sterile, single-use needles is generally low-risk, but people with diabetes need extra care with the feet and skin. Tell Dalibor about your diabetes, your blood sugar control and any foot wounds or reduced feeling.

Should I stop my nerve pain medication?

No. Don't stop or change any prescribed medication without your doctor. Some nerve pain medicines need to be reduced slowly and under supervision.

What is electro-acupuncture?

It is acupuncture with a mild electrical current passed between some of the needles, to stimulate a wider area. Most people feel a light tapping or buzzing.

This page is general information, not medical advice. Acupuncture works alongside the care you get from your family doctor. If your symptoms are new, severe or getting worse, see your doctor first.