Welcome @suchadoc, You sound a lot like me years ago when I first started having neuropathy symptoms only I didn't have pain as a symptom, just some numbness and tingling. My wife told me I walked like an old man even when I was in my 50s and younger. The answer is different for each of us as to why we would want to have the tests and get a diagnosis. Although there is no cure, there are treatments that may help with the pain. Neuropathy Commons has a good explanation of tests that are used here - https://neuropathycommons.org/diagnosis/diagnosing-peripheral-neuropathy.

I myself didn't think the EMG and nerve conduction tests were painful but they were a little uncomfortable. I didn't have a skin punch biopsy so can't share any experience. There are many things you can do to help improve your quality of life. I do think PT can help with balance issues. I've had a few sessions that gave me exercises I can do at home that help some with balance. You might find some good suggestions on the Foundation for Peripheral Neuropathy website here - https://www.foundationforpn.org/living-well/.

There are quite a few discussions on what helps with neuropathy. Here is a link to the discussions and comments from other members - https://connect.mayoclinic.org/search/discussions/?search=neuropathy%20what%20helps.

Can you share a little more about your neuropathy symptoms?

Goodmorning, suchadoc. I hope you don't mind me jumping in here. Thing is, I relate to so much of what you are saying regarding balance and gait. Sometimes I get a sharp pain in my metatarsals, legs, hips joints, and so on, that gives me a jolt that makes me feel I may go off balance. And sometimes I walk upright like a healthy, pain free human, while other times I can barely walk at all from the pain. I feel like my hip joints are locking up on me. I have definite nerve damage and it's getting worse. And i don't have an official medical diagnosis, yet. And the reason is, I live in a small town and would need to travel 220 miles to a nerve doctor. I help myself survive by carrying a roll on pain stick with me and use it often when I go shopping. I also just recently started with a PT. It's too soon for me to say if it helps me physically. But I believe it will and that's half of the battle won. I'm getting a prescription for 5% Lidocaine transdermal patches. The reviews at Amazon are good and I believe they will help: the roll on pain relievers do somewhat. Please forgive me for going on and on, but let me say, I pray we all find relief from the agony of this painful existence. Best, CB NOTE: I forgot to mention, in Dec 2022, I went to a foot doctor DPM when the neurophy was in my metatarsals. He diagnosed me with Radiculopathy (referred pain from my back to my feet).

Welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect. You have come to the right spot for information. Folks are great to share their experiences. Neuropathy is horrible. I watched my late husband suffer with neuropathy and Raynaud’s syndrome.