I also started with other symptoms, weakness, heaviness in legs, numbness, and balance difficulties. I had clumsiness and poor coordination from early childhood as mine is hereditary, which often presents without pain. Later, when the nerve damage is more advanced and the muscles are weaker, the pain sets in. At first I attributed it to varicose veins. Later the burning and zapping started. Now I have sharp pains in my ankles and legs that have to be controlled with medication in order for me to function. I have visible muscle wasting.
Not everyone with a hereditary neuropathy experiences severe pain, even the progress of other neuropathies is a mystery and you may stay as you are for a long time. For some the numbness and pins and needles alone are a serious trial. Others adjust. Everyone is different.
I hope that they find a treatable cause for you.