Q&A PERIPHERAL NEUROPATHY

WHAT IS peripheral neuropathy?

Peripheral Neuropathy is a condition where the small nerves, usually in the toes and feet, stop working properly. Most people feel burning, tingling, or numbness in their feet, which may cause them to fall.

What causes this condition?

There are three broad categories that cause peripheral neuropathy. The first and most common is diabetes. Another potential cause may be autoimmune conditions where the body starts attacking its own tissues. The third broad category can be labeled environmental, which includes things like certain medications, chemotherapy, or excessive use of alcohol that can damage these small nerves.

How does diabetes cause neuropathy?

All of the tissues in our body rely on blood for nutrients so they can be repaired. Let’s imagine that blood is the consistency of water for this example. In a person with diabetes, their blood will be more like the consistency of syrup due to the higher sugar content. This type of blood cannot easily flow through the small blood vessels that feed the nerves in their toes and feet. Eventually the nerves will start to degenerate and they lose the ability to feel their feet.

What are common treatments for peripheral neuropathy?

The most common treatments are medications. For many people, medications do not work very well to control their symptoms and create additional uncomfortable side effects.

Are there other options for people with this condition?

The providers in our clinic have an 85% success rate helping people reduce the symptoms of peripheral neuropathy. It is not uncommon to hear people tell us that they can finally feel their feet again for the first time in years and that they are not as afraid of falling.

How long have you been helping people like this?

We have been treating patients like these for nearly 20 years and brought this type of treatment to Knoxville more than a year ago with great success.

What is the next step towards relief?

If you have been told that there is nothing that can help your condition, call our clinic to schedule a consultation where we will meet with you to find out if you are a good candidate for treatment.