Nerve damage: what it looks like and what to do now
Nerve damage (neuropathy) can start as a tingle or nagging pain and slowly steal function. Sometimes it's temporary; other times it needs real medical care. If you’ve noticed numbness, burning, pins-and-needles, or unexplained weakness, this page shows simple, useful steps you can take right away and what to expect from doctors.
Common causes and symptoms
Causes are often clear: diabetes, injuries (crush or stretch), infections, vitamin deficiencies ( B12), toxins (heavy metals, alcohol), and some medicines. You might also see radiculopathy, where a spinal nerve root is pinched and causes pain, tingling, or weakness down an arm or leg.
Typical symptoms to watch for:
- Numbness or reduced feeling in hands or feet
- Tingling or burning sensations
- Sharp, shooting pains
- Muscle weakness, clumsiness, or falling
- Loss of balance or reflex changes
If symptoms start suddenly after an injury, or you have rapid weakness, see emergency care.
Diagnosis, quick steps, and treatment options
First, a doctor will ask about timing, pattern, and medical history (diabetes, alcohol, meds, recent infections). Expect a focused exam and maybe tests: blood work, vitamin levels, nerve conduction studies/EMG, or imaging (MRI) if a pinched root is suspected.
Short-term steps you can take now:
- Control blood sugar if you have diabetes — it prevents further nerve loss.
- Avoid alcohol and toxic exposures until the cause is clear.
- Protect numb areas from injury (hot surfaces, cuts) since you might not feel damage.
- Try simple pain measures: OTC pain relievers, topical lidocaine patches, cooling or warm compresses based on what helps.
Common medical treatments:
- Medications for nerve pain — gabapentin (Neurontin), pregabalin, duloxetine. These ease symptoms but don’t always fix the underlying nerve injury.
- Targeted steroid injections or nerve blocks for radiculopathy or inflamed nerves.
- Physical therapy to rebuild strength and keep joints flexible.
- Surgery when a nerve is compressed by bone, herniated disc, or scar tissue.
- Addressing nutrient gaps — B12 or other deficiencies when labs show them.
Want practical reading? Our guide on gabapentin ("Neurontin Uses, Side Effects, and Tips") explains how one common nerve pain drug works. If you’re checking meds, always review side effects and interactions with your prescriber.
If symptoms are changing, getting worse, or affecting daily life, book an appointment. Early diagnosis often preserves function and helps you avoid long-term problems.