Neuropathy

What is neuropathy?

Neuropathy is nerve damage. It can cause an array of symptoms, including:

• Tingling
• Numbness
• Burning or stabbing pain
• Stumbling and falls
• Balance problems
• Cold feet
• Toe curling and cramping

Over time, neuropathy can progress to become debilitating without treatment. 

What causes neuropathy?

The most common cause of neuropathy among Americans is diabetes, but many other causes exist, including nerve compression, injury, use of certain medications, and high cholesterol and triglycerides.  

Diabetic neuropathy and compression neuropathy are sometimes confused, and to complicate matters, many people with diabetes have both diabetic and compression neuropathies. 

Diagnostic testing is necessary to accurately identify and treat neuropathy. 

How is neuropathy diagnosed?

The Rockmore Foot and Ankle Specialists team performs quantitative sensory testing (QST) to diagnose neuropathy and determine its stage. In addition, QST can accurately detect other conditions that cause similar symptoms. 

QST nerve testing is painless, accurate, and an integral to your neuropathy care. People with diabetes should have nerve testing twice a year, according to the American Diabetes Association. 

How is neuropathy treated?

Neuropathy treatment depends on the type of neuropathy, the areas affected, and your symptoms. Rockmore Foot and Ankle Specialists offers comprehensive neuropathy care for patients with neuropathy symptoms affecting their lower legs and feet. 

Custom orthotics, nerve block injections, herbal medicines, or infrared light treatments may be effective in the earlier stages of neuropathy. But, as neuropathy progresses, those methods might not work as well. 

Some patients experience good results with oral medications, for example, Lyrica®. But, if none of these measures offer adequate relief, you could be a good candidate for a special procedure called the Dellon Technique. This procedure was created by an esteemed plastic surgeon and neurosurgeon at the renowned Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. 

In the Dellon Technique, the team performs a procedure similar to carpal tunnel surgery, except focused on the feet. The process widens a tight area, relieving pressure on your affected nerves and improving blood flow. 

Most patients experience a return of sensation and relief of neuropathic pain as soon as the anesthesia wears off. In fact, 90% of patients experience reduced pain, 70% experience improved sensation, and all patients enjoy a reduced rate of ulceration, foot infections, and amputations in the future. 

Call Rockmore Foot and Ankle Specialists or click the online scheduler for neuropathy help today.