The short answer is: No, neuropathy isn't painful for everyone. Some just get weakness, some numbness, some tingling - and many other symptoms.

What kind of testing did you have done before the doctors made their diagnosis?

There are lots of things that can cause tingling feet and yes, neuropathy is one of the major ones. Sometimes they can make a diagnosis just based on a physical exam, but usually there is some testing done to rule out other things.

But - if you do have neuropathy, the more important questions are: What is causing the neuropathy? and What can be done to correct the underlying cause?

The best way to really control neuropathy is to find and correct the underlying cause. Unfortunately, it can often be difficult to pin down. In that case, you kind of have to take a "shotgun approach" - (consider dietary/lifestyle improvements, take some supplements that support nerve health and circulation, and often it is necessary to take medications). Read through the posts on this forum - and you can find many good ideas that may be helpful for you as you try to figure out this disease.