Burning feet. Tingling toes. Electrical or shooting pain. Numbness that makes it difficult to feel the ground beneath you. These can be signs of diabetic peripheral neuropathy, a common complication of diabetes that deserves thoughtful evaluation and ongoing medical care.
Peripheral nerves carry information between the brain, spinal cord, and the rest of the body. Because some of the body's longest nerves travel to the feet, symptoms often begin in the toes and feet before moving farther up the legs. For some people the dominant concern is pain; for others it is a gradual loss of sensation. Both matter.
What Can Diabetic Neuropathy Feel Like?
Diabetic peripheral neuropathy can look and feel different from one person to the next. Symptoms commonly affect both feet and may be more noticeable at night.
Loss of sensation is particularly important to address. When someone cannot adequately feel their feet, a blister, cut, pressure point, or other injury may go unnoticed. Regular foot examinations and appropriate diabetes care remain essential.
What Is Happening to the Nerves?
Diabetic neuropathy is more complex than simply having “poor circulation.” Over time, elevated blood glucose and associated metabolic changes can create an unhealthy environment for peripheral nerves. Oxidative stress, inflammation, mitochondrial dysfunction, and changes in the blood vessels supplying nerves may all interfere with normal nerve function.
An injured nerve can become both too sensitive and not sensitive enough. Some fibers may generate abnormal pain signals, contributing to burning or electrical sensations. At the same time, other fibers may transmit normal sensory information less effectively, resulting in numbness. This is why feet can feel painful and numb at the same time.
A New Non-Drug Option: STIMPOD NMS460
Managing diabetes and blood glucose remains fundamental, and some people may also use medication for neuropathic pain under the guidance of their medical team. Because diabetic neuropathy involves the nervous system itself, neuromodulation — carefully controlled stimulation intended to influence how nerves carry and process pain information — can be another option to discuss.
STIMPOD NMS460 is a prescription, handheld transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation device. In May 2026, the FDA cleared it for temporary relief of mild-to-moderate neuropathic pain associated with diabetic peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities. The device uses a point-contact surface electrode through the skin; it does not involve needles, surgery, or an implanted device. [1]
During treatment, a trained clinician identifies the peripheral nerve pathways associated with the affected area and applies stimulation along those pathways. People may feel a mild electrical or tingling sensation, which is adjusted to comfort. The goal is not simply to stimulate the painful area, but to work with the nerve pathways carrying those signals.
Our Diabetic Neuropathy Care Plan
At Healing Response, care begins with an individualized evaluation of symptoms, medical history, sensory changes, and the distribution of neuropathy. This helps determine whether STIMPOD therapy is appropriate and how it may fit within a broader care plan.
Evaluate
Review your symptoms, medical history, sensation changes, and the nerve distribution involved.
Treat
For appropriate candidates, an initial STIMPOD protocol typically includes 10 sessions, scheduled two to three times weekly over approximately four to five weeks.
Reassess
At the end of the initial series, revisit symptoms and response before deciding whether further care or maintenance may be appropriate.
Integrating STIMPOD With Other Therapies
STIMPOD therapy does not have to be used in isolation. Depending on an individual's presentation, a plan may also incorporate acupuncture and electro-acupuncture, photobiomodulation, and neurological or sensory assessment. Not every person needs every therapy; the focus is on choosing an appropriate combination rather than applying the same protocol to everyone.
STIMPOD treatment does not replace appropriate medical management of diabetes. Blood glucose management, regular medical care, appropriate movement and nutrition, and careful foot health remain important parts of managing diabetic peripheral neuropathy.
When Should Neuropathy Be Evaluated?
If you have diabetes and are experiencing burning, tingling, electrical sensations, unusual sensitivity, numbness, or changes in your feet, do not assume nothing can be done. Early evaluation matters, particularly when sensation is declining. If pain is interfering with sleep, walking, exercise, or quality of life, a consultation can help determine which options may be appropriate.
Diabetic Neuropathy Treatment in Stillwater, Minnesota
Healing Response Acupuncture & Functional Neurology in Stillwater, Minnesota offers individualized evaluation for people living with peripheral nerve pain, numbness, and diabetic neuropathy. Our clinic combines neurological assessment with acupuncture and, for appropriate candidates, STIMPOD peripheral nerve stimulation as part of a personalized plan.
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NEUROPATHY CARE IN STILLWATER
You do not have to simply ignore painful or numb feet.
Schedule a consultation to learn whether a personalized neuropathy evaluation and STIMPOD protocol may be appropriate for you.
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