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Ways Your Podiatrist Can Help With Your Neuropathy Symptoms

Ways Your Podiatrist Can Help With Your Neuropathy Symptoms

By Southwest Foot Institute

December 19, 2016

Category: Foot Care

Tags: Neuropathy

Have you resigned yourself to living with neuropathy pain? Dr. Michael Dershowitz and Dr. Nathan Plaskey, your Phoenix, Glendale and Scottsdale, AZ, podiatrists, share information on treatments that can make you more comfortable.

Treating neuropathy

Neuropathy is not only painful but can also affect your mobility. Although the condition can't be cured, your Phoenix, Glendale and Scottsdale foot doctor can offer treatments to slow the progression of the disease and relieve your symptoms. Treatments include:

Pain Medication: When over-the-counter medication doesn't do enough to control your pain, it may be time to consider prescription medications, such as anti-seizure medications and antidepressants. You don't have to suffer from seizures or depression to benefit from these medications. Antidepressants interfere with brain and spinal cord processes that cause you to feel pain, while anti-seizure medication can be effective in decreasing nerve pain.
Capsaicin Cream or Patches: Capsaicin is responsible for the burn when you eat a chili pepper. Scientists discovered that this ingredient could be helpful in blocking pain when it was added to over-the-counter creams or patches. The burning sensation can be a little intense initially, but if you continue to use the patches or cream containing the capsaicin, the burning and pain will lessen.
Lidocaine Patches: If you can't tolerate capsaicin or it doesn't help, lidocaine patches may be a better option. The patches temporarily numb your feet, reducing pain and tingling.
Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS): TENS systems use a very low-voltage electrical current to reduce pain. The treatment stimulates your nerves and nerve pathways and prevents pain signals from reaching your brain.
Physical Therapy: If neuropathy has caused muscle weakness or affected your gait, your foot doctor may recommend physical therapy. During your sessions, you'll learn exercises that will strengthen your feet and leg muscles and improve your mobility.
Braces: Braces or special shoes can make walking easier if you've lost feeling in your feet.
Surgery: Nerve entrapment can sometimes occur when you develop neuropathy, particularly if you have diabetes. Surgery frees the trapped nerves and reduces your pain.

Are you tired of living with painful and unpleasant neuropathy symptoms? Dr. Dershowitz and Dr. Plaskey, your Phoenix, Glendale and Scottsdale, AZ, podiatrists, can offer helpful treatments. Call them at (602) 340-8686 to schedule an appointment.

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