You’re standing at the kitchen counter making dinner when suddenly, your toes start to burn. Or maybe they feel like they’re buzzing—or just numb. You shake your foot. No change. It’s the third time this week it’s happened, and you're starting to wonder, “Is this normal?”
Probably not. These sound like classic peripheral neuropathy symptoms, and they shouldn’t be ignored. At Wilks Advanced Foot Care in Roseburg, people experiencing nerve damage—especially those with diabetes—receive compassionate, personalized treatment to preserve their comfort, function, and long-term foot health.
What Is Peripheral Neuropathy?
Peripheral neuropathy occurs when the nerves in your legs and feet become damaged and no longer communicate properly with the brain. Because the feet are farthest from the heart and spine, they’re usually the first place symptoms appear—and the easiest place for nerve damage to go unnoticed until it becomes serious.
Warning signs often begin gradually. At first, you may notice a strange sensation that doesn’t match what you’re doing. Over time, these feelings become more persistent and more disruptive. Common peripheral neuropathy symptoms include:
- Burning, stinging, or “hot” pain. Many of our Douglas County patients describe it as walking on hot sand or feeling as if their feet are on fire—especially at night.
- Tingling, buzzing, or pins-and-needles sensations. These electrical feelings may come and go at first, then last longer or spread across the foot.
- Numbness or reduced sensitivity. This means you might not feel a blister forming, a wrinkle in your sock, or even a small cut. Some patients report that their feet feel as though they’re wrapped in thick padding or cotton.
- Shooting or zapping pain. Sharp, lightning-like jolts can strike suddenly and make walking uncomfortable.
- Sensitivity to touch. Even light pressure—from bedsheets, socks, or a gentle touch— causes discomfort.
- Cold sensations despite warm skin. Your feet may feel icy even though the body temperature is normal.
- Muscle weakness or instability. Nerves control muscles, so damage can cause the foot to feel weak, unsteady, or prone to rolling.
- Balance problems. When your feet can’t “feel” the ground properly, it becomes harder to walk confidently, especially in dim lighting.
These indications of peripheral neuropathy may appear in one foot or both. They might flare up at night, during rest, or after long periods of activity. And while some symptoms seem minor, they still serve as meaningful signals of nerve damage that progresses if untreated.
What Causes Peripheral Neuropathy?
Many conditions lead to nerve damage. The most common include:
- Diabetes. High blood sugar impairs blood vessels and nerves, especially in the feet.
- Injury or trauma. Repetitive motion, compression, or direct injury also triggers symptoms.
- Autoimmune diseases. Lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, and others can trigger nerve inflammation.
- Infections. Shingles, Lyme disease, and HIV are all associated with neuropathy.
- Alcohol misuse. Chronic heavy drinking often leads to vitamin deficiencies that affect nerve health.
- Chemotherapy. Some cancer treatments harm nerve tissue as a side effect.
Roseburg foot doctor Jason Wilks and his team strive to be a vital part of our patients’ extended health care team to identify the root cause of peripheral neuropathy, focus on progressive treatment options, and prevent further damage.
What Should You Do If You Notice Peripheral Neuropathy Symptoms?
If you’re starting to experience peripheral neuropathy symptoms—even mild ones—or need more help with diabetic foot care, don’t wait. Early intervention can slow or even stop progression. Here’s what we recommend:
- Get your blood sugar checked. If you have diabetes or prediabetes, controlling blood sugar is crucial to preventing nerve damage.
- Protect your feet. Check your feet daily for cuts, blisters, or sores, and wear properly fitting shoes.
- Avoid going barefoot. Loss of sensation makes it easy to injure your feet without realizing it.
- Be diligent about wound treatment. Whether it's an ulcer caused by diabetes complications or an unexpected injury, have Dr. Wilks examine the wound right away for proper treatment.
Trust Our Friendly Foot Care to Keep You at Your Best
Peripheral neuropathy doesn’t just cause discomfort—it puts your safety at risk. Even a small cut or sore can become a serious problem if your nerves can’t alert you to danger.
At Wilks Advanced Foot Care, you’re never treated as just another case. We take the time to listen, evaluate your symptoms, and create a personalized care plan that may include medication, physical therapy, or custom orthotics. Our services include routine foot exams, protective nail and skin care, wound prevention and treatment, and gait-stabilizing support to reduce fall risk.
Your feet do more than help you move—they protect your independence. If you're noticing unusual sensations or pain, it's time to get answers. Our trusted Roseburg foot doctor is here to help you walk with confidence again.