Helping Your Body Heal: The Vizuri Way

Part 01 / Nerve Health

Burning, Tingling, or Numb Feet? What Your Nerves May Be Telling You

Maybe your toes feel as though they have fallen asleep, even when you have been moving around. Perhaps your feet burn when you settle into bed, or you find yourself watching the ground more carefully because you do not feel quite as steady as you used to.

These changes can be easy to explain away. A long day. Uncomfortable shoes. Getting older.

At Vizuri Health Center, we encourage you to pay attention when something feels different. Persistent numbness, tingling, burning, or changes in balance deserve a closer look. Understanding what is happening is the first step toward making informed decisions about your care.

What is peripheral neuropathy?

Your peripheral nerves connect your brain and spinal cord with the rest of your body. Some help you feel touch, temperature, and pressure. Others help your muscles move. When peripheral nerves become damaged or stop working properly, the resulting condition is called peripheral neuropathy.¹

That term describes a problem with nerve function; it does not, by itself, tell us why the problem developed. This distinction matters. Two people can both describe burning feet and need very different care.

We believe a helpful conversation begins with more than naming the symptom. We also need to consider its pattern, its effect on your daily life, and the possible conditions behind it.

Neuropathy does not always feel like pain

Burning and electrical sensations often get people's attention. Reduced sensation can be quieter. You may feel as though you are walking on padding, notice that your socks seem bunched up when they are not, or struggle to tell exactly where your feet are positioned.

Symptoms can include tingling, numbness, unusual sensitivity to light touch, weakness, and difficulty with balance. The combination depends on which nerves are affected.¹ Something that feels strange rather than painful can still be worth evaluating.

Think about how these changes influence your choices. Are you avoiding uneven trails? Holding the railing more tightly? Cutting a shopping trip short? Those details help communicate the real impact of your symptoms, even when a pain score does not capture it.

Why finding the cause matters

Diabetes is a common cause of peripheral nerve damage, but neuropathy also occurs in people who do not have diabetes. Possible contributors include certain vitamin deficiencies, medication effects, heavy alcohol use, autoimmune conditions, kidney disease, and injuries or pressure affecting nerves. Sometimes, a cause remains unknown despite investigation.²

This is why we do not recommend choosing a treatment based on a symptom checklist alone. A person with a nutritional deficiency needs that deficiency addressed. Someone with a medication-related problem needs a discussion with the prescribing clinician. Other findings may call for specialist evaluation.

At Vizuri, our interest in whole-person health means taking the broader story seriously. We want to understand what may be contributing and where our care can fit within the support you need.

Could the problem be coming from somewhere else?

Tingling does not automatically mean a widespread neuropathy. A compressed nerve near the spine can also cause radiating pain, numbness, or weakness. For example, cervical radiculopathy involves a nerve root in the neck and may produce symptoms into an arm or hand.³

The location and distribution of symptoms provide clues, but they do not establish a diagnosis on their own. Whether symptoms affect one side or both, follow a particular path, or change with position can help guide the examination.

Bring a simple description to your visit: where symptoms begin, when they occur, how long they last, and what makes them better or worse. You do not need perfect medical language. Your observations are useful.

What an evaluation can help clarify

An assessment typically includes a health history and examination. Depending on the findings, additional testing or referral may be appropriate. Blood tests, nerve conduction studies, and other investigations answer different questions; no single test explains every case.^{1, 2}

We also encourage you to bring a medication and supplement list, along with any previous test results. Tell us about changes in walking, sleep, work, and the activities you enjoy. Together, these pieces help build a clearer picture.

A meaningful next step should leave you understanding what is known, what still needs clarification, and what options make sense for you.

When to act sooner

Sudden one-sided numbness or weakness, especially with facial drooping or trouble speaking, calls for dialing 911 immediately.⁵ Rapidly worsening weakness also needs urgent medical attention. If you have reduced feeling in your feet, a new wound or signs of infection should be assessed promptly.^{2, 4}

For ongoing symptoms, you do not need to wait until they become severe to start the conversation.

Start with understanding

At Vizuri Health Center in Williston, we offer a neuropathy program and believe education is an essential part of care. We want you to feel comfortable asking questions and clear about your next steps.

If burning, tingling, or numbness is changing how you live, contact our team to schedule an evaluation. We can help you explore whether our neuropathy services are appropriate or whether another type of evaluation should come first.

In the next article, we will look at the question many people ask next: Can damaged nerves heal, and what should a thoughtful treatment plan include?

Sources & further reading

National Library of Medicine. Peripheral Nerve Disorders. Read source
MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia. Peripheral Neuropathy. Read source
American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. Cervical Radiculopathy (Pinched Nerve). Read source
NIDDK. Diabetes & Foot Problems. Read source
CDC. Signs and Symptoms of Stroke. Read source

Everybody experiences fatigue from time to time, whether from a poor sleep or a busy day. While inconvenient, this level of fatigue is not life-disrupting and can usually be resolved with a good night’s rest. Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) is much different. This complex condition is characterized by profound feelings of tiredness that do not improve, regardless of rest, for at least six months. The fatigue is so severe that it gets in the way of daily activities at work and at home, making everyday life difficult.

Experts believe that about up to 2.5 million Americans are affected by Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. While CFS can affect anyone, it tends to be most common among women between 40 and 50.

There is still uncertainty about what exactly causes CFS. Currently, no underlying medical condition has been identified as a cause, though there are some leading theories including psychological stress, viral infection, and inflammation.

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome is notably difficult to diagnose. Not only is there no known cause, many other conditions also produce symptoms of fatigue. Doctors aim to rule out other possible causes of fatigue before diagnosing CFS. When left undiagnosed and untreated, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome leads to decreased stamina and concentration, along with emotional distress and strained relationships.

Keep reading to get the facts on this chronic illness including symptoms, risk factors, and treatment options.

Symptoms: What does Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Feel Like?

The most obvious symptom of this disorder is fatigue – not moderate fatigue, but severe enough to interfere with daily life. For a diagnosis of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, patients must show a significantly reduced capacity to complete normal tasks due to fatigue which is not improved upon by rest. This must last for at least six months.

People with CFS experience extreme tiredness especially after physical or mental activities. This is called post-exertional malaise, and can last more than 24 hours after the activity.

Additional physical symptoms are:

Muscle pain
Enlarged or swollen lymph nodes
Frequent headaches
Joint pain, but without redness or swelling

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome also typically involves sleep issues, including:

Chronic insomnia
Feeling unrested despite sleeping
Night sweats

Other symptoms may include:

Poor concentration
Difficulty remembering things
Orthostatic intolerance (feeling light-headed, dizzy, or faint when moving from seated to standing positions)

People who suffer from CFS also tend to experience frequent alterations in levels of irritability, mood swings, panic attacks, anxiety, and depression. The emotional and mental side effects of CFS are significant, making integrative mind-body treatment essential.

What Causes Chronic Fatigue Syndrome?

As mentioned, there is no known cause of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. While researchers are still trying to uncover a root cause, there are certain risk factors that can be identified:

Age. CFS is most frequently diagnosed amongst people in their 40s and 50s.
Sex. Women are two to four times more likely to experience CFS than men.
Genes. Chronic Fatigue Syndrome has been seen in members of the same family. Studies done in twins suggest that both genes and environment might play a role in CFS, though more research is needed.
Stress. Patients with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome often report that it began following a period of extreme emotional or physical stress, such as after surgery. This stress affects the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis (HPA axis), which controls our body’s reaction to stress and regulates a lot of body processes such as the immune response, digestion, energy usage, and mood.
Immune System. Some researchers believe that CFS may be caused by a person’s immune system and the way it responds to stress or infection. CFS does share some features of autoimmune illnesses in which the immune system attacks healthy tissues in one’s own body.
Gut/nutritional imbalances. A growing body of research suggests that celiac disease, and food sensitivities or food allergies may be a cause of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. In many studies of CFS patients, almost all of them report problems with digestion.

Some of these risk factors, such as age and sex, are unavoidable. But no matter your demographic, you can work to support a healthy immune system, lower your stress levels, and eat a balanced diet. Doing so will help protect you not only from CFS, but numerous other health issues as well.

How To Overcome Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

There is no cure or universal treatment for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, since its precise cause remains unknown. Thus, most treatments aim at reducing the symptoms, which can vary greatly. It is important for individuals to work with a healthcare practitioner to discern what really works for them – we can help!

Conventional treatments typically include sleeping pills for fatigue and antidepressants to help with mood. However, the prescription route often produces side effects that can be worse than the condition itself. Instead, we recommend lifestyle changes, nutraceuticals and other natural treatments to reduce symptoms and help heal the mind and body.

The best diet for CFS

One method of treating chronic fatigue syndrome is through diet. Since there appears to be a link between digestive issues and CFS, it is important to eliminate potential food sensitivities, allergens, and intolerances that may be inflaming the body and leading to fatigue. If any nutritional deficiencies are found, dietary changes or supplementation may be recommended by a healthcare professional.

Dietary interventions for treating chronic fatigue include:

Reduction of refined sugars, carbohydrates, alcohol, caffeine, and saturated fats. Instead, enjoy protein-rich foods, fresh vegetables, whole grains, and legumes. Eating a healthy and well-balanced diet helps improve overall energy levels.
A candida cleanse diet can be helpful in treating CFS. Research indicates that overgrowth of candida and the bacteria H. Pylori are contributors to chronic fatigue. Working with a healthcare practitioner to rule out any potential bacterial imbalances is recommended.
Supplementation: There are many vitamins and minerals linked to energy levels that may be helpful in treating CFS. Of course, not all supplements are right for every patient, so be sure to speak with a health practitioner before starting any of the following.
- Vitamin B12 has been shown to improve energy in people who are deficient. It is a critical nutrient that supports the methylation cycle (responsible for immune function, energy production, and mood) and can help stimulate the mood with more energy and better cognitive function.
- Omega-3 fatty acids, such as those found in fish oil, may also help reduce fatigue. Studies have shown that people with CFS have lower levels of omega-3 fatty acids.
- Magnesium has also been shown in studies to be lacking for chronic fatigue sufferers. Patients were found to have low magnesium levels that accounted for a low red blood cell count. After being treated with magnesium supplements, they reported improved energy and more balanced emotions.

Supporting mental health

Along with proper diet, treating the mental aspect of chronic fatigue syndrome is also highly important.

We suggest:

Relaxation techniques like deep breathing, meditation, and yoga will help you to relax and manage stress. Stress tends to worsen CFS, so adding these into your daily routine is crucial.
Move your body! Exercise has been shown to help improve fatigue, mental clarity, and depression among CFS patients, but it’s important to listen to your body. Overdoing it can worsen symptoms, so work with your healthcare practitioner to create a program that works for you and start slowly.
Establish a sleep hygiene routine. This includes going to bed at a consistent time each night and allowing yourself time to physically and emotionally wind down. Turn off all electronics, and ensure your bedroom is a comfortable temperature.
Talking with a professional therapist or counselor can help individuals to cope with the impacts of their CFS on their daily life and relationships.

Chronic fatigue syndrome can be challenging both physically and mentally. However, there are numerous ways to treat symptoms and improve energy levels. Reducing stress and eating a proper diet are two major ones. Many people also benefit from working closely with a healthcare practitioner. If you are living with CFS, reach out to create a treatment plan that meets your unique needs. The time to revive your energy levels and take charge of your life is now!

Sources

“Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS).” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 15 Sept. 2022, https://www.cdc.gov/me-cfs/l.

Avellaneda Fernández A, Pérez Martín A, Izquierdo Martínez M, Arruti Bustillo M, Barbado Hernández FJ, de la Cruz Labrado J, Díaz-Delgado Peñas R, Gutiérrez Rivas E, Palacín Delgado C, Rivera Redondo J, Ramón Giménez JR. Chronic fatigue syndrome: aetiology, diagnosis and treatment. BMC Psychiatry. 2009 Oct 23;9 Suppl 1(Suppl 1):S1. doi: 10.1186/1471-244X-9-S1-S1. PMID: 19857242; PMCID: PMC2766938..

Schur E, Afari N, Goldberg J, Buchwald D, Sullivan PF. Twin analyses of fatigue. Twin Res Hum Genet. 2007 Oct;10(5):729-33. doi: 10.1375/twin.10.5.729. PMID: 17903114; PMCID: PMC2953372.

Sotzny F, Blanco J, Capelli E, Castro-Marrero J, Steiner S, Murovska M, Scheibenbogen C; European Network on ME/CFS (EUROMENE). Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome – Evidence for an autoimmune disease. Autoimmun Rev. 2018 Jun;17(6):601-609. doi: 10.1016/j.autrev.2018.01.009. Epub 2018 Apr 7. PMID: 29635081.

Lakhan SE, Kirchgessner A. Gut inflammation in chronic fatigue syndrome. Nutr Metab (Lond). 2010 Oct 12;7:79. doi: 10.1186/1743-7075-7-79. PMID: 20939923; PMCID: PMC2964729.

Cater RE 2nd. Chronic intestinal candidiasis as a possible etiological factor in the chronic fatigue syndrome. Med Hypotheses. 1995 Jun;44(6):507-15. doi: 10.1016/0306-9877(95)90515-4. PMID: 7476598.

Maes M, Mihaylova I, Leunis JC. In chronic fatigue syndrome, the decreased levels of omega-3 poly-unsaturated fatty acids are related to lowered serum zinc and defects in T cell activation. Neuro Endocrinol Lett. 2005 Dec;26(6):745-51. PMID: 16380690.

Cox IM, Campbell MJ, Dowson D. Red blood cell magnesium and chronic fatigue syndrome. Lancet. 1991 Mar 30;337(8744):757-60. doi: 10.1016/0140-6736(91)91371-z. PMID: 1672392.

Larun L, Brurberg KG, Odgaard-Jensen J, Price JR. Exercise therapy for chronic fatigue syndrome. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2017 Apr 25;4(4):CD003200. doi: 10.1002/14651858.CD003200.pub7. Update in: Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2019 Oct 02;10:CD003200. PMID: 28444695; PMCID: PMC6419524.

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: What You Need To Know