What Causes Burning, Tingling, or Shooting Nerve Pain?

Medically reviewed by: Brody L. Henkel, M.D. | October 2026

Key Points

• Burning, tingling, and shooting pain are common signs of nerve dysfunction, often called neuropathic pain.
• Diabetes is one of the most common causes of nerve pain in the feet and legs, but many other conditions can also cause it.
• Autoimmune conditions such as CIDP (Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyneuropathy) may respond well to immune modulating treatment.
• Nerve pain that keeps getting worse, spreads, or affects both sides of the body should be evaluated by a neurologist.
• EMG and nerve conduction studies can show where nerve damage is located and how severe it may be.
• Neurological Specialties in Tampa evaluates nerve pain and builds treatment plans around the underlying cause.

Nerve pain is hard to describe. One day your foot feels like it is burning. The next, a sharp jolt runs down your leg when you stand up too quickly. Some people feel pins and needles that never seem to stop, while others find that even light touch from a bed sheet is uncomfortable.

This kind of pain is not the same as the ache from a pulled muscle or a sore joint. It starts in the nerves themselves, which send signals that are confusing, excessive, or both. Because many different conditions can cause it, finding the source matters. The right treatment depends on what is driving the pain.

At Neurological Specialties in Tampa, we often see patients who have dealt with burning or shooting pain for months before getting a clear answer. This guide explains the most common causes, the warning signs to watch for, and what to expect during an evaluation.

What Nerve Pain Feels Like

Nerve pain is often described in very specific ways. Common descriptions include:

• Burning or searing sensations, especially in the feet
• Sharp, shooting, or electric-like jolts
• Tingling or "pins and needles" that do not go away with movement
• Extreme sensitivity to touch, known as allodynia
• Pain that gets worse at night

These sensations can come and go, or they can be constant. Many people notice that symptoms are strongest when they are resting, which is one reason sleep can become difficult.

Describing your pain as specifically as possible helps your doctor. Note where it starts, what it feels like, what makes it better, and what makes it worse.

Common Causes of Burning and Shooting Nerve Pain

Nerve pain can come from many sources. Some causes respond better to treatment than others, which is why identifying the source is so important.

Diabetes

High blood sugar over time can damage nerves throughout the body. Diabetic neuropathy often affects the feet first, causing burning, tingling, or numbness that gradually spreads. Keeping blood sugar well controlled can help prevent further nerve damage. Existing damage may take longer to improve, but symptoms can often be managed effectively.

Autoimmune Neuropathy

In autoimmune neuropathy, the immune system mistakenly attacks the protective coating around the nerves. CIDP (Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyneuropathy) is one example. It usually develops gradually and can cause burning, tingling, and weakness. Immune modulating medications, IVIG therapy, and biologic treatments, including the newer monoclonal antibodies, may help calm the immune response and improve symptoms.

Medications

Some medicines can irritate nerves as a side effect. Certain chemotherapy drugs, some antibiotics, and some HIV medications are known to cause nerve pain in some people. If new symptoms begin after you start a medication, tell your doctor right away. Do not stop a prescribed medication on your own, because the right next step depends on your situation.

Infections

Hepatitis C and HIV can both damage peripheral nerves. Treating the infection can stop ongoing nerve damage and may improve symptoms.

Inherited Neuropathy

Some nerve disorders run in families. Charcot-Marie-Tooth Disease (Hereditary Sensory and Motor Polyneuropathy) is the most common inherited neuropathy. It usually begins in the feet and legs and progresses slowly over time. If you have a family history of nerve problems, mention it at your visit.

When Nerve Pain May Signal a Serious Problem

Some nerve pain may point to a condition that needs prompt attention. Schedule a neurology evaluation if you notice:

• Pain that keeps getting worse over weeks or months
• Pain or numbness on both sides of the body
• Weakness in your arms or legs
• Pain that regularly wakes you from sleep
• Balance problems or frequent falls

Call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room if you have sudden weakness, trouble speaking, facial drooping, or loss of bladder or bowel control.

How Neurologists Find the Cause

Finding the source of nerve pain starts with your history. Dr. Henkel will ask when your symptoms began, where you feel them, what makes them better or worse, which medications you take, and whether you have diabetes, autoimmune disease, or an infection. A neurological exam checks sensation, reflexes, muscle strength, and coordination.

Blood tests can identify treatable causes, such as diabetes, thyroid problems, and autoimmune markers. EMG and nerve conduction studies measure how well your nerves carry electrical signals. The nerve conduction portion uses small electrical pulses that feel like brief, mild shocks. The EMG portion uses a thin needle placed in specific muscles. The needle stays in each muscle for just a few seconds.

Together, these tests show whether the damage affects the protective coating of the nerves or the nerve fibers themselves. Those findings may indicate the likely cause and help guide treatment.

Treatment Options for Nerve Pain

Treatment depends on the cause. When an underlying condition is found, treating it comes first. Diabetes requires blood sugar control. Autoimmune neuropathy may respond to immune modulating medications or biologic treatments. Nerve pain linked to a medication may improve after a dose change or medication switch, but only under medical supervision.

To manage the pain itself, common options include:

• Gabapentin or pregabalin, which calm overactive nerve signals
• Duloxetine, a medication that can help with chronic nerve pain
• Lidocaine patches, applied directly to the painful area

Each option has possible side effects, so Dr. Henkel will review them with you before you start. The right choice depends on your diagnosis and other health conditions.

When testing does not find a specific cause, the pain is called idiopathic neuropathy. It can still be managed effectively through medication, daily habits, and regular follow-up. Protecting your feet, limiting alcohol, staying physically active, and maintaining a healthy weight can all help.

Schedule Your Nerve Pain Evaluation

If burning, tingling, or shooting pain is affecting your sleep, work, or daily life, call Neurological Specialties at (813) 876-6321. Our office is located at 2816 W Virginia Ave, Tampa, FL 33607. Call ahead to confirm which insurance plans we accept and whether your plan requires a referral.

Frequently Asked Questions About Nerve Pain

What does nerve pain feel like?

Nerve pain is often described as burning, shooting, electric, or tingling. Some people also feel extreme sensitivity to touch or pain that gets worse at night.

Can nerve pain go away on its own?

Sometimes. Pain caused by a temporary factor, such as a medication side effect that is corrected, may improve. Pain from ongoing conditions usually needs treatment to improve.

Why is nerve pain worse at night?

Nighttime is quieter, and there are fewer distractions, so the pain can feel stronger. Changes in temperature and body position can also make symptoms more noticeable.

Is shooting pain always a sign of neuropathy?

No. Sharp, shooting pain can also come from a pinched nerve in the spine, such as sciatica. That type of pain needs its own evaluation, so it is important to share all of your symptoms with your doctor.

Does nerve pain mean the nerve damage is permanent?

Not necessarily. Some nerve damage can improve when the cause is treated, while other damage may be permanent. Testing helps show which situation applies to you.

How can I lower my risk of nerve pain?

Keeping blood sugar well controlled, limiting alcohol, and checking for treatable conditions such as vitamin deficiencies or infections can help lower your risk.

How soon should I see a doctor for nerve pain?

Schedule an evaluation if your pain lasts more than a few weeks, keeps getting worse, or interferes with your daily activities.

Is there a single medication that works for all nerve pain?

No. The right medication depends on the cause of your pain, your other health conditions, and how you respond to treatment.

Frequently Asked Questions About Neurological Specialties

Where is Neurological Specialties located?

We are located at 2816 W Virginia Ave, Tampa, FL 33607. You can reach us by phone at (813) 876-6321 or by fax at (813) 870-0350.

Does Neurological Specialties perform EMG and nerve conduction studies?

Yes. Testing is performed in our office, and Dr. Henkel performs and interprets the studies.

Who is Dr. Henkel?

Brody L. Henkel, M.D., is a neurologist who has used EMG testing for over 15 years. Neurological Specialties has been serving patients in Tampa for over 30 years.

Do I need a referral to see a neurologist?

Referral requirements depend on your insurance plan. Call our office at (813) 876-6321 to confirm before your appointment.

Does Neurological Specialties treat nerve pain from diabetes?

Yes. We evaluate and treat nerve pain from many causes, including diabetes, autoimmune conditions, medications, and infections.

Disclaimer: The information provided on this blog is for general informational purposes only and is not intended as, and should not be considered, medical advice. All information, content, and material available on this blog are for general informational purposes only. Readers are advised to consult with a qualified healthcare professional for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. The author and the blog disclaim any liability for the decisions you make based on the information provided. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.