Peripheral neuropathy isn’t just an annoying problem. The constant tingling and pain make it difficult to get through the day. In some cases, surgery is the only way to help your nerves function properly again, but other times, we can help you get back to normal without any surgical intervention.
Kelly L. Geoghan, DPM, has over 25 years of experience caring for patients with a wide range of foot problems, including peripheral neuropathy. We determine the best course of treatment with you after a thorough evaluation, but in this blog, we’re sharing four nonsurgical therapies you should know about.
Peripheral neuropathy can stem from various health conditions and underlying factors. Many of them — such as genetic predispositions, chemotherapy treatments, and aging — are beyond your control.
But if your case of peripheral neuropathy is the result of something like weight gain, diabetes, and other manageable or treatable health issues, you can do something about it. For instance, many of our diabetic patients with neuropathy find symptom relief through healthy diet changes and regular exercise.
A nerve-friendly diet includes:
And if you’re skeptical about working out when you have nerve pain, don’t worry. Low-impact exercises like yoga, biking, swimming, and even walking are all you need to reap the benefits of exercise without stressing out your tender feet.
We also recommend quitting smoking and limiting alcohol intake to promote healthy circulation and help keep your blood sugar in check.
Light therapy boots are one of our patients’ favorite approaches to peripheral neuropathy. You simply slide your feet into a “boot” equipped with infrared and red light pads that surround your feet. When we turn it on, the light therapy improves blood flow and oxygen delivery to the nerves and ultimately helps relieve pain.
When your feet hurt due to peripheral neuropathy, you know it because your nerves send messages to your brain, which registers the pain. Some patients benefit from changing the way those malfunctioning nerves communicate with the brain with TENS treatments.
We place small electrodes on the outside of your skin around the affected area(s) — no surgery required. The electrical pulses pass through the electrodes into your nervous system, disrupting the communication between your damaged nerves and your brain.
MLS laser therapy is one of our most advanced treatments. This revolutionary technology acts as an anti-inflammatory and analgesic (pain reliever) by effectively accelerating tissue repair and improving vascular activity.
Depending on the severity of your neuropathy, you may benefit from 3-10 sessions, but you don’t have to carve out large chunks of your schedule for treatment. Each appointment should take about 10 minutes.
There’s a time and place for surgery, and our team is prepared to discuss your surgical options should you need them. However, we highly regard your personal preferences and wellness goals and opt for nonsurgical approaches whenever possible.
If we can help you delay or avoid surgical intervention, we will.
A peripheral neuropathy diagnosis doesn’t have to lead you directly to the operating room. Let’s talk about your symptoms and determine if nonsurgical approaches are right for you. Contact Kelly L. Geoghan, DPM, in Lutherville, Maryland, today to schedule a consultation.
