Top Signs of Diabetic Neuropathy (And Why You Shouldn’t Ignore Them)
Have you ever felt a strange tingling in your feet or a burning sensation in your legs that just won’t go away?
If you live with diabetes, these subtle symptoms might be more than just a nuisance. They could be early signs of diabetic neuropathy – a common but often overlooked complication that affects the nerves and, in turn, impacts how your body feels and functions.
At Power Physical Therapy & Sports Medicine here in Costa Mesa, we’ve been seeing more and more people asking about numbness, foot discomfort, or unusual sensations. That’s why we’ve made it a priority to run workshops that help our community better understand neuropathy and what can be done about it.
Because when you know the signs early on, you can take meaningful action before the condition becomes harder to manage.
What Is Diabetic Neuropathy?
Diabetic neuropathy is a type of nerve damage that develops as a result of high blood sugar levels over time. This damage can affect different types of nerves in the body, including:
- Sensory nerves, which control how we feel touch, temperature, and pain
- Motor nerves, which help muscles move
- Autonomic nerves, which control functions like digestion and heart rate
The most commonly affected areas? Your feet and legs.
The small blood vessels that supply the nerves with oxygen and nutrients can become damaged when blood sugar stays elevated. As a result, the nerves stop functioning properly. And once nerve damage starts, it can progress silently unless you pay close attention to the signals your body sends.
Although diabetic neuropathy isn’t reversible, it can be managed and its progression slowed—especially if it’s detected early.
Top 7 Signs and Symptoms to Watch For
Diabetic neuropathy doesn’t happen overnight. It usually comes on gradually, and the signs can seem small at first. But those “little things” can add up fast if they’re ignored.
Let’s walk through some of the most common symptoms we see here at Power Physical Therapy.
1. Tingling or “Pins and Needles” Sensation
That fuzzy, prickly feeling in your toes or feet might feel like your foot is just waking up from being “asleep.”
But if it’s happening often – especially without a clear reason – it may be a sign of neuropathy.
This tingling usually starts in the toes and can move up the foot and leg over time.
2. Numbness or Loss of Sensation
If you step on something sharp or hot and don’t feel it – that’s a red flag.
Numbness makes it easy to overlook injuries, which is why diabetic foot ulcers are so common. Cuts and blisters can go unnoticed until they become serious.
This symptom often pairs with tingling and can worsen without proper attention.
3. Burning or Sharp Pain
Some patients describe this as walking on hot coals or feeling like their feet are “on fire” – especially at night.
This type of discomfort is caused by damaged sensory nerves sending incorrect signals.
It’s often worse when lying down or trying to rest, making it hard to get quality sleep.
4. Muscle Weakness or Difficulty Walking
Neuropathy doesn’t just affect sensation – it can also impact muscle strength.
If the nerves controlling your leg or foot muscles are impaired, you might feel like your legs are weak, or that it’s harder to lift your feet.
This can lead to changes in gait, reduced stability, and a greater risk of falling.
5. Heightened Sensitivity to Touch (Allodynia)
Sometimes, the nerves go into overdrive.
You might feel discomfort or even pain from things that shouldn’t hurt at all—like bedsheets brushing against your skin or light pressure from socks.
This is called allodynia, and it often indicates that nerve sensitivity is worsening.
6. Foot Ulcers or Slow-Healing Wounds
When sensation is reduced and circulation is compromised, small wounds can become big problems.
Foot ulcers that don’t heal properly are a sign that neuropathy and blood flow issues are affecting your body’s ability to repair itself.
This is a late-stage symptom, but one that can be avoided with early detection and good foot care.
7. Loss of Balance or Frequent Tripping
If you’ve been tripping more often or feel like your balance is off, neuropathy might be a factor.
Without full sensation in your feet, your body struggles to maintain coordination.
This can lead to falls, injuries, and a decline in independence – especially for older adults.
Your Next Best Step For Relief
Diabetic neuropathy can sneak up on you. The early signs might feel like minor annoyances – a little tingle, a small patch of numbness, or the occasional sting.
But catching those early signs is critical. The sooner you take action, the better your chances of maintaining an active, independent lifestyle.
If you’re unsure what your symptoms mean, or if you want to understand what your options are, the best next step is simple:
Call us at (714) 557-2100 Or click here to schedule a Free Discovery Visit:
We’re here to support you in making sense of what your body is telling you—and to guide you toward better movement, better health, and a better quality of life.
