Neuropathy & Neuromuscular Conditions
Numbness, tingling, burning pain, or muscle weakness can make everyday tasks harder — and they're often a sign that your nerves or muscles need attention. The neurology team at Saint Joseph Health System evaluates and treats neuropathy and neuromuscular conditions for patients across Mishawaka and South Bend.
Schedule an appointment or call 574-335-6450.
Rehabilitation and Wellness Multiple Sclerosis (MS)
What are these conditions, and what are the symptoms?
Peripheral neuropathy happens when the nerves outside the brain and spinal cord are damaged, causing numbness, tingling, or burning pain — often starting in the hands or feet. Neuromuscular conditions affect the nerves and muscles that control movement and can cause weakness, cramping, or fatigue. Common signs include a "pins and needles" or burning feeling, sharp or shooting pain, muscle weakness, cramps, or trouble with grip and balance. Symptoms that begin in the feet and slowly move upward are a common pattern. See a neurologist if these symptoms are persistent, spreading, or affecting your daily activities.
Diabetic neuropathy
Diabetes is one of the most common causes of nerve damage. Over time, high blood sugar can injure the nerves, most often in the feet and legs — a condition called diabetic peripheral neuropathy. Early symptoms may include numbness, tingling, burning, or a loss of feeling that makes it harder to notice cuts or blisters, which is why careful foot care matters. Keeping blood sugar well controlled is the single most important step in slowing diabetic neuropathy, and your neurologist works alongside your primary care and diabetes team to manage symptoms and protect the nerves you have. If you have diabetes and notice new foot numbness or pain, it's worth getting evaluated.
Neuromuscular conditions we treat
Some conditions affect the muscles themselves or the connection between nerves and muscles. These include myasthenia gravis, an autoimmune condition that causes muscle weakness that worsens with activity and improves with rest; muscular dystrophy, a group of inherited conditions that cause progressive muscle weakness; and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), which affects the nerve cells that control movement. Each of these is different, and care is tailored to the specific diagnosis — often in coordination with other specialists and our rehabilitation team.
How we find the cause and treat it
Neuropathy has many possible causes, including diabetes, vitamin deficiencies, thyroid problems, certain medications, and other conditions. Your neurologist will review your history and perform an exam, and may order blood tests along with electromyography (EMG) and nerve conduction studies — tests that measure how well your nerves and muscles are working. Treatment focuses on addressing the underlying cause when possible (for example, better managing diabetes) and relieving your symptoms with medications for nerve pain, physical therapy, and lifestyle strategies. For neuromuscular conditions, your neurologist develops a plan tailored to your specific diagnosis. Existing patients can message the team anytime through MyChart.
Frequently Asked Questions
Diabetes, vitamin deficiencies, thyroid problems, certain medications, injuries, and other conditions; sometimes no single cause is found.
Often numbness, tingling, or a burning or "pins and needles" feeling that may start in the toes and spread. Some people notice reduced feeling, which can make foot injuries easier to miss.
Nerve damage that has already happened often can't be fully reversed, but keeping blood sugar in a healthy range can slow it down and, in some cases, ease symptoms. Early evaluation gives the best chance to protect nerve function.
Tests that measure the electrical activity of your muscles and how well your nerves send signals, to pinpoint where and why a problem is happening.
If symptoms are persistent, worsening, or spreading. Sudden numbness with weakness or trouble speaking can be a stroke — call 911.
Often, yes. Treating the underlying cause and managing symptoms can reduce discomfort and help prevent further nerve damage.