Neuropathy, or nerve damage, is a very common and damaging complication from diabetes and other diseases and conditions. The affected nerves can cause numbness, pain, burning, and cramping. Neuropathy is especially risky for the feet, as the loss of sensation that often accompanies this condition can make it hard to detect dangerous foot ulcers.
If you or a family member has neuropathy, you probably know a lot about it – but you may also have read some information that may be misleading. Here are a few myths about neuropathy that we would like to clear up:
Myth: Nerve damage is irreversible. Reality: For many patients, nerve damage can be slowed and even reversed. At our practice, we use Neurogenx to treat neuropathy pain. This therapy uses electronic pulses along with medication to numb the pain and stimulate the damaged nerve. Many of our patients have been able to enjoy a reduction or even elimination of their symptoms and report improved balance, reduced need for narcotic pain medication and better sleep.
Myth: Only those with diabetes will develop neuropathy. Reality: Diabetes is not the only cause of nerve damage, although 70% of individuals with diabetes have neuropathy. Other causes include chemotherapy, surgery, alcohol abuse, autoimmune diseases, certain medications, Vitamin B12 deficiency, trauma, repeated nerve pressure and kidney disorders.
Myth: Take a pill to cure neuropathy. Reality: Currently, there is no medication on the market that can cure neuropathy. Drugs that are marketed for neuropathy mostly help ease pain but without lasting relief. Neurogenx treatments, on the other hand, actually repair impaired nerves.
Myth: I don’t have neuropathy because I don’t feel tingling, shooting pain or numbness. Reality: There are other neuropathy symptoms besides these. There are three types of peripheral nerves: sensory, motor, and autonomic. Your symptoms will vary and will depend on which type of nerve has been damaged. For example, if you have numbness in your feet and trouble keeping your balance, your sensory and motor nerves may both be damaged.
Please give us a call if you suspect you have neuropathy. We will make an accurate diagnosis with imaging and lab tests as well as nerve studies to determine the source and degree of nerve damage.
We Can Help Treat Neuropathy or Nerve Damage in Your Feet
If you have neuropathy or any foot problem like heel pain or plantar fasciitis, discomfort from arthritis, an injury or just from overuse, please call Michele Kurlanski, DPM at Lighthouse Foot and Ankle Center. Dr. Kurlanski offers expert and professional podiatry services in Cumberland County, Maine. Please call us today at 207-774-0028 to schedule your appointment in our Scarborough office.