Although it is not itself a disease, peripheral neuropathy is a frightening condition in which the blood vessels and nerves in your feet die off, resulting in ulcers, infections, and even amputations. In fact, 85% of lower limb amputations are preceded by foot ulcers.
At Advanced Spinal Care, we want to alert our patients to the dangers of peripheral neuropathy, stress the importance of preventing the condition from progressing, and educate patients on their treatment options should symptoms occur. Here are a few of the most frequently-asked questions our team receives on peripheral neuropathy:
What are the signs of peripheral neuropathy?
Because the nerves along the surface of your skin die at different rates, the symptoms of peripheral neuropathy will vary depending on which nerves have been affected. The most common symptoms include:
- Numbness
- Sharp or cramping pain
- Pins-and-needles sensation
- Cold feet
- Feeling as if your feet are on fire when you walk
You may also feel discomfort or pain when your feet are touched, even by something slight such as sheets or socks.
Can I get peripheral neuropathy if I don’t have diabetes?
Yes. Although diabetes is most commonly associated with peripheral neuropathy, there are a number of factors and conditions that can contribute to your risk. These factors include:
- Shingles
- Alcohol
- Autoimmune diseases, especially rheumatoid arthritis or lupus
- Certain cancer treatments
Can I wait to treat peripheral neuropathy?
If you believe you may be suffering from the first stages of neuropathy, do not wait to have your symptoms addressed by a specialist. Peripheral neuropathy is a progressive condition which worsens with a lack of treatment. Furthermore, once you have sustained 85% nerve loss, there is likely no further treatment available and the damage cannot be reversed.
Are there medication-free options for treatment?
Yes, and we are proud to offer these alternatives at Advanced Spinal Care. Using airtight, cutting-edge research and new, FDA-approved equipment, we have been able to reverse the effects of peripheral neuropathy in eligible patients. Our protocol uses light and vibrational frequencies to increase perfusion into the legs and feet, accelerating blood vessel tissue regeneration and creating new blood vessels to replace those that have died. This process can regenerate nerves and blood vessels in as little as 8 weeks and has helped us to save our patients’ limbs from amputation.
Peripheral neuropathy is a serious condition with extreme consequences. The team at Advanced Spinal Care is committed to educating our patients about the risks and helping to reverse damage before it’s too late. If you recognize any of the symptoms above, do not hesitate - request an appointment with us today for a consultation at one of our offices. We serve patients out of Cambridge and Coshocton, Ohio.