Treatment for Peripheral Neuropathy I have been a therapist for twenty years and during that time there was always one type of patient I was afraid of: patients with peripheral neuropathy. These patients have numbness and tingling in the feet or worse, including severe pain or sharp pain that may increase with walking. The feet become so sensitive that even a bed sheet touching them can be very uncomfortable. What causes peripheral neuropathy? The causes are many. Some of these are: Diabetes Kidney failure Circulation problems Underactive Thyroid Chemotherapy Lupus Alcoholism Unknown cause Nerve Injury Vitamin Deficiency Heavy Metal Exposure Lyme disease Vasculitis Connective Tissue Disorders I was afraid to see these patients because I did not know what to do with them in the past. We tried exercises and stretching all in an attempt to increase the blood flow to the legs and feet; often with no success. The only choice left after that was medication to dull the pain. Slowly, the nerves would die due to loss of oxygen and blood flow. Pretty grim, dont you think? At least until now. With Anodyne infrared therapy, we have a new powerful tool to combat peripheral neuropathy that really works. How does this therapy work and what is it? Anodyne light therapy is a monochromatic, single wave length of infrared light. This specific wave length has been chosen after years of research which showed it to be truly the most effective. This is what is different over the old infrared light that used to be done. This wave length is invisible. Here is the way it works. Pads with the infrared light diodes are applied directly to the skin. The pads are attached with Velcro straps. This light causes nitric oxide to be released. This in turn causes the smooth muscle to relax in the arteries, dilating them. This increases blood flow. It also causes the creation of microtubules that help grow new blood vessels which revitalize tissues. Treatments typically take 30 minutes and are given three times per week for 16 to 24 sessions. It is completely painless. The patient usually notices a rather quick improvement in about two weeks. Pain subsides at first, and then sensation begins to return. This allows for better balance when the sensation returns decreasing risk for falling. The patients have been quite pleased. So if you or someone you know has pain or loss of circulation causing peripheral neuropathy, call us at 301-759-4263 for a consultation. Stop living with pain and start living again. Try therapy first at Tri-State Hand and Occupational Therapy. |
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