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» Health Information » Conditions N-Z » Neuropathy Treatments

Neuropathy Treatments

Although neuropathy is commonly associated with diabetes, individuals without diabetes can also suffer from neuropathy symptoms. Neuropathy initially manifests itself as a tingling in the toes which gradually spreads up the feet or hands and worsens into a burning pain. The sensations, whether tingling or pain, can be either constant or periodic. Individuals with neuropathy can also experience muscle weakness or numbness.

Diabetic neuropathy is one of the most common complications of diabetes. Over time, diabetic neuropathy may occur in up to 50% of diabetics, despite controlling blood sugar. If left untreated, symptoms are likely to worsen.

After a long period of time, sufferers of diabetic neuropathy may experience:

• Loss of sensation: (Cannot recognize how tight shoes are, determine if water is hot or cold, or recognize a painful injury)
• Ulcerations
• Infections
• Amputation (in advanced cases)

Ankle & Foot Associates are experts on the latest testing and treatment methods for neuropathy. Some examples include:

• Special shoe inserts
• Nerve blocks or anodyne treatments-(infrared light) can be used when neuropathy is in its early stages.
• Oral medication
• Testing Procedure Sensory Testing (QST): Neurosensory and Motor Testing (NMT). Specialists at Ankle & Foot Associates use this to identify the stage of a person's neuropathy so that appropriate treatment can be done. It also accurately diagnoses other conditions that have similar symptoms to neuropathy so the correct treatment can be performed by a Ankle & Foot Associates doctor.

For more severe cases of neuropathy, Peripheral Nerve Decompression Surgery is also an option. This surgery would qualify as a treatment of tarsal tunnel (like carpal tunnel in the wrist but it is in the foot) neuropathy, with about an 80-90% improvement rate.

Patients with advanced neuropathy (ulcerations or lost toes) may recover less sensation because damage to the nerve has become irreversible. In this case, a consultation with an Ankle & Foot Associates doctor is recommended to determine how effective surgery would be.

Ankle & Foot Associates are an ideal choice for neuropathy treatments. To learn more about the Ankle & Foot Associates, or to schedule a consultation with a specialist about neuropathy treatments, please call (912) 330-2771.