Have you ever felt like your feet were burning—like they were on fire, even when you’re just lying in bed? Maybe you’ve noticed numbness, tingling, or a strange pins-and-needles feeling that doesn’t go away. If that sounds familiar, you might be dealing with something called peripheral neuropathy.

It’s more common than you might think—and if you catch it early, there are ways to calm the fire without relying only on medications.

What Is Peripheral Neuropathy?

Peripheral neuropathy happens when the nerves in your feet (or hands) get damaged or don’t work the way they should. These nerves help you feel temperature, pressure, and pain. When they’re not working right, the signals get mixed up—or don’t get through at all.

People often describe it as:

• Burning

• Tingling

• Numbness

• Feeling like they’re walking on cotton or pebbles

• Sharp, stabbing pain

• Trouble feeling their feet at all

Sometimes, the pain is worse at night, making it hard to sleep.

What Causes It?

There are many reasons your nerves might become damaged. Some of the most common include:

• Diabetes (very common cause)

• Poor circulation

• Alcohol use

• Vitamin deficiencies

• Chemotherapy

• Infections

• Nerve compression from your back or hips

• Certain medications

Sometimes, there’s no obvious cause—but that doesn’t mean it can’t be treated.

Why Ignoring It Can Be Dangerous

Peripheral neuropathy doesn’t just make your feet uncomfortable—it can make them unsafe. If you lose feeling in your feet, you may not notice:

• Cuts

• Blisters

• Burns

• Open wounds

These injuries can get worse quickly, especially if you have diabetes, and may lead to infections or ulcers.

That’s why it’s so important to get checked early—before nerve damage gets worse or becomes permanent.

You’re Not Alone—And There Is Help

At West Haven Foot and Ankle Center, we’ve helped many patients dealing with neuropathy.

Many of them said things like:

“It feels like my feet are on fire.”
“I can’t sleep at night.”
“I’m afraid to walk because I can’t feel where I’m stepping.”

We get it. And we want you to know: there are real treatment options that don’t rely only on pills.

New Non-Medication Therapies That Work

Here are some of the treatments we use at our clinic to reduce pain, improve sensation, and help nerves heal:

Laser Therapy

This uses light to improve blood flow and nerve activity. It’s gentle, safe, and completely non-invasive.

Electrical Nerve Stimulation

Also known as TENS or other advanced devices, this helps re-train damaged nerves and reduce pain signals.

Neuropathy Support Programs

We often recommend custom plans that include proper nutrition, circulation support, and light physical activity—all tailored to your specific health background.

Footwear & Orthotics

Custom shoe inserts can reduce pressure points and improve balance if you’ve lost feeling in your feet.

And yes—we do all this in one place, with personal attention and a family-friendly approach.

When Should You See a Podiatrist?

If you notice any of the following, it’s time to schedule a visit:

• Burning, tingling, or numbness that won’t go away

• Pain that gets worse at night

• Trouble walking or balancing

• Sores or injuries on your feet you didn’t feel

• You have diabetes or circulation problems

The earlier we catch nerve problems, the better the outcome.

You Deserve to Feel Your Feet Again

One of the most meaningful moments Dr. Lazarus experienced was when a patient who hadn’t felt his feet in 20 years told us, “I feel like I’ve been reborn.” That’s the kind of care and relief we work hard to deliver every day.

You don’t have to live with burning or numbness. If you’re ready to feel better and walk more confidently again, reach out to West Haven Foot and Ankle Center today. We’re here to help.