I have a similar neuropathy to yours, but milder. Mine was gradual-onset, affects both feet, and manifests as numbness and occasional burning.

It seems that "neuropathy" simply means "nerve disease" and, while medically distinct from specific nerve diseases like multiple sclerosis, the term still covers a lot of very different syndromes. Some, like "Man on Fire" syndrome, have been linked to genetic mutations. Vitamin B12 deficiency is a well-known cause of neuropathy, as is diabetes. Some drugs can cause it too.

I'm just mentioning some things which are explored MUCH more fully on some of the sticky topics. (Mrs. D's excellent work: Vitamin B12, drugs that can cause neuropathy, and diabetic neuropathy) but the take-home message for me is, your neurologist should check B12, alcohol consumption, possibility of diabetes, and family history of neuropathy right off the bat.

One of the benefits of this forum is that when you do see a neurologist you won't be ignorant. My doc is great, he asked all the right questions, and because I learned from this forum what those questions were I have more trust in his knowledge.

Note that the cause of a lot of neuropathy cases is not discovered. I've read anywhere from 30% to 50% are "idiopathic", I dunno what the exact figure is.

Keep us informed.