Are you suffering from Peripheral Neuropathy?
Peripheral Neuropathy occurs when there is damage to the peripheral nerves that travel to your arms and legs. When the nerves become damaged, they stop functioning in the way they are supposed to, which can cause issues. People who suffer from Peripheral Neuropathy tend to experience little-to-no sensation in their toes and fingers, which results in issues with function and movement in the affected body parts.
While there are several conditions that can cause Peripheral Neuropathy, the most common one is diabetes. In fact, according to the American Diabetes Association, “60 to 70 percent of people with diabetes will develop neuropathy within their lifetime.” Fortunately, Peripheral Neuropathy can be treated through our specialized physical therapy services at Bullhead Physical Therapy. For more information, contact our Bullhead City, AZ physical therapy office today.
What is Peripheral Neuropathy?
Peripheral Neuropathy is a nerve disorder known to affect millions of people throughout the United States. It is a complication found in several different medical conditions, including, but not limited to:
- Diabetes
- Peripheral Vascular Disease
- Post-chemo radiation therapies
- Metabolic disorders
- Neurological disorders
- Arthritis
- Alcoholism
- Advanced age
- Genetics
One of the most common symptoms of the conditions listed above is impaired circulation to peripheral blood vessels, particularly the smaller ones, which are known as “capillaries.” Without sufficient blood flow to nerve tissues, oxygen and nutrients cannot get into the tissues and the waste products of metabolism cannot get out. When functioning normally, nerve tissues receive nutrient-rich, highly-oxygenated blood through the capillaries. However, capillaries can easily get clogged when circulation is impaired. The peripheral nervous system eventually becomes distressed and damaged due to starvation and toxicity. In advanced cases of diabetic neuropathy, blood glucose can also damage the walls of these tiny blood vessels supplying nerves, especially those in the legs and feet.
How is Peripheral Neuropathy treated?
At Bullhead Physical Therapy, we employ several specialized methods and modalities for treating Peripheral Neuropathy. This will be decided based upon the discretion of our Bullhead City, AZ physical therapists after a physical examination, analysis of medical history, and the evaluation of your symptoms. While there unfortunately is no known cure for Peripheral Neuropathy, there are treatments that we can provide at Bullhead Physical Therapy in order to slow down the progression of nerve damage, maintain function in the affected areas, and decrease any pain you may be feeling.
Some of the most common physical therapy treatments for Peripheral Neuropathy include:
MicroVas Therapy
MicroVas Therapy, also referred to as MicroVascular Therapy, is a physical therapy treatment used to help stimulate blood flow, primarily in the feet. This treatment is used to help patients who experience chronic pain due to poor circulation.
Anodyne Therapy
Anodyne Therapy, also referred to as MIRE or “Monochromatic Infrared Energy,” is a form of physical therapy treatment used to non-invasively reduce pain and increase circulation. It can help provide relief for a number of conditions, such as helping to restore sensation in the feet of diabetic patients with peripheral neuropathy, or improving walking patterns and balance in patients with balance and gait disorders.
Warm Whirlpools
If the desired goal is increased circulation in the affected area, then a warm whirlpool may be administered by a physical therapist. The warmth of the whirlpool helps in opening up the small arteries in the body and increasing circulation. In turn, the increased circulation helps in bringing fresh blood, oxygen, and cellular regeneration to the injured area, which promotes healing.
Additional treatments to accompany these modalities will likely include manual therapy, massage, or gentle exercises, in order to enhance circulation, improve function, and promote healing.
Contact Bullhead Physical Therapy today!
If you are suffering from Peripheral Neuropathy, or you think you might be, contact Bullhead Physical Therapy today to find relief. We can help you take back control of your life by relieving your pain and helping to improve your function. Don’t suffer in silence – get back to your best quality of life with physical therapy treatments today.