5 neuropathy myths that could be delaying your treatment

Tingling in your feet. Burning sensations at night. Numbness that makes it harder to feel the ground while walking. 

You may want to dismiss these symptoms, especially if they develop gradually and don’t cause any pain. But they may be signs of neuropathy, a condition caused by damage or irritation to the nerves that carry signals between the brain, spinal cord and the rest of the body. 

Neuropathy can lead to symptoms such as numbness in the feet, tingling sensations, nerve pain, weakness and balance problems. Yet many people delay seeking care because of misconceptions about the condition.

“Neuropathy can affect daily life in ways people don’t always expect — from sleep disruption to balance issues,” says Mark Bussell, DPT, Clinical Director of the Neuropathic Therapy Center at Loma Linda University Health. “We often see patients who have lived with neuropathy symptoms for years before learning that additional treatment options may exist.” 

Understanding the truth behind common neuropathy myths can help you recognize symptoms and explore nerve pain treatment options earlier — leading to a better quality of life.

Myth No. 1: Neuropathy is just part of getting older.

Neuropathy is more common as people age, but it’s not a normal part of aging. 

In most cases, nerve damage is connected to an underlying cause. Common neuropathy causes include:

• Autoimmune disorders 
• Chemotherapy treatment 
• Diabetes 
• Infections 
• Nerve injuries 
• Vitamin deficiencies

“Aging alone doesn’t cause neuropathy,” Dr. Bussell explains. “In most cases, there’s an underlying factor affecting the nerves, and identifying that factor is an important step toward treatment.” 

If you notice symptoms like tingling, persistent numbness or burning sensations, you should talk to your doctor.

Myth No. 2: Controlling diabetes will make neuropathy go away.

Diabetic neuropathy is one of the most common forms of nerve damage. Managing blood sugar is essential for protecting nerve health and slowing the progression of symptoms, but good blood sugar control doesn’t always reverse existing nerve damage. 

Some people may continue to experience symptoms like nerve pain, numbness or tingling even when their diabetes is controlled. In these cases, further evaluation can help identify other factors contributing to nerve irritation and additional therapies that may help.

Myth No. 3: There’s nothing that can be done for neuropathy.

This is one of the most common — and discouraging — neuropathy myths, Dr. Bussell says. 

While neuropathy can be complex, patients often have more options than they realize. Treatments may include lifestyle changes, nutritional support, medications and physical therapy approaches that focus on improving nerve health. 

One innovative, noninvasive therapy, Intraneural Facilitation (INF™), works by improving circulation to affected nerves, supporting nerve health and function rather than just masking symptoms with medication.

Myth No. 4: Neuropathy only matters if it causes pain. 

Neuropathy doesn’t always cause pain, but that doesn’t mean it’s not important to diagnose and treat the condition. 

In many cases, numbness or loss of sensation is the earliest symptom of neuropathy. While numbness may seem less alarming than pain, it can actually create serious risks.

Reduced sensation in the feet can make it harder to detect injuries, pressure points or infections. Neuropathy can also affect your balance, increasing the risk of falls. 

“Many people think neuropathy is only serious if it causes pain,” Dr. Bussell says. “But numbness can be concerning because it reduces the body’s ability to detect injury or maintain balance.” 

Recognizing symptoms early can help you seek care before the condition progresses.

Myth No. 5: Medication is the only treatment option.

Medications are sometimes used to help manage nerve pain, but they’re not the only neuropathy treatment available. 

Other treatment approaches focus on improving blood flow to irritated nerves and supporting nerve function. Physical therapy-based treatments, including INF, are designed to improve circulation around affected nerves and may help reduce symptoms for some people. 

Because neuropathy can have many causes, treatment plans are typically personalized for each individual patient based on their symptoms, medical history and underlying health conditions.

When to seek help for neuropathy symptoms 

Talk to your doctor if you notice symptoms including: 

• Ongoing nerve pain 

• Persistent numbness in the hands or feet 

• Tingling or burning sensations 

• Weakness or balance problems 

“The most important thing patients can do is seek evaluation when symptoms begin,” Dr. Bussell says. “Addressing nerve health early may help prevent symptoms from progressing and improve quality of life.”