(866) 552-4866 Fred* had been suffering from chronic tingling, burning, and numbness in his feet and legs for months. Finally, hey went to the doctor and was diagnosed with diabetic peripheral neuropathy, a progressive disorder that affects nearly 50% of patients with diabetes and significantly impacts their quality of life. First he tried medications, physical therapy, exercise, and other conservative treatment options but only experienced limited relief. On some days, it is as if his symptoms are worse than before. Thankfully, Fred was referred to a vascular surgeon, who told him he may be a candidate for Spinal Cord Stimulation (SCS). But would SCS be the solution he's been searching for?
For many diabetic peripheral neuropathy patients like Fred, seeing treatment options dwindle by the day or come up short of expectations can be devastating. This is especially true when all they can think about are the symptoms that are keeping them from enjoying the life they want to live. Spinal Cord Stimulation, a novel and innovative treatment offered by our team of vascular specialists at StrideCare, is finally giving individuals hope that there is another alternative.
Imagine Overcoming These Symptoms of Peripheral Neuropathy
- Numbness and tingling in the legs and feet
- Increased pain during sleep
- Shooting pains in the legs and feet
- Burning, throbbing, and stabbing pains
- Pins and needles sensation
- Slow-healing sores
Looking for answers to your diabetic peripheral neuropathy? Schedule a consultation with a StrideCare vascular specialist today to determine if Spinal Cord Stimulation is the right solution for you.
Why Peripheral Neuropathy Patients Must Consider Every Option
Neuropathy is a painful and often debilitating condition that affects a network of nerves called peripheral nerves that run throughout the head, neck, and body. These nerves carry messages to and from the brain and spinal cord (the central nervous system). When these nerves are functioning as they should, we rarely think about them or the role they play in our daily lives.
In many people, however, these nerves can become damaged over time. Neuropathy can have a variety of causes, ranging from diabetes to injury, infections, and exposure to toxins. Prolonged exposure to elevated blood sugar levels is usually the issue in individuals with diabetes. When the nerves are damaged in this way, they fail to function correctly, often sending pain signals even when you cannot point to a reason.
Think of a damaged peripheral nerve as a frayed or pinched computer wire. Signals that used to travel easily between the wire and the computer are now interrupted and may either flow intermittently or not at all. The same is true for diabetic peripheral neuropathy. Over a significant period, elevated blood sugar damages blood vessels that supply the nerves, resulting in nerve damage to the lower extremities.
This leads to poor blood flow, inflammation, and slower signal transmission. These issues will quickly lead to many of the symptoms you are experiencing, especially tingling, burning, and numbness in the extremities.
Risk factors for peripheral neuropathy can include:
- Diabetes — High blood sugar damages nerves over time.
- Alcohol — Believe it or not, but nerve damage can be brought on by excessive alcohol consumption. Up to half of long-term heavy alcohol users develop this condition.
- Vitamin deficiencies — Peripheral neuropathy is the most common presentation of vitamin B12 deficiency.
- Infections — Viruses and bacteria, such as shingles, HIV, and Lyme disease, can lead to peripheral neuropathy.
- Autoimmune diseases — Conditions like rheumatoid arthritis and lupus can cause nerve inflammation.
- Certain medications — Many chemotherapy patients experience neuropathy due to chemo drugs and antibiotics.
- Exposure to toxins — Toxins like heavy metals or industrial chemicals can damage nerves.
- Family history (genetics) — If a family member has neuropathy, you are at higher risk. This includes but is not limited to siblings, parents, aunts, uncles and grandparents.
Every option must be considered when it comes to chronic peripheral neuropathy. And sadly, some of the more conservative options don't always work for everyone. This includes prescription medication, physical therapy, and lifestyle changes. When these tactics don't work, Spinal Cord Stimulation could be a healthy alternative.
How Does Spinal Cord Stimulation Work?
Nerve signals are constantly being transmitted from the body to the brain. This is supposed to be a good thing, as it helps prevent injury by making a person aware that something is wrong. Unfortunately, when nerves are damaged, they can still send pain signals to the brain, even if no injury is occurring. Spinal Cord Stimulation disrupts these signals so the brain doesn't receive them. SCS is recommended for patients who have been taking medications to reduce their pain but are not experiencing improvements in symptoms.
Spinal Cord Stimulation—whether as a trial or a permanent procedure—is opioid-free. It is also an FDA-approved procedure. Furthermore, it is minimally invasive. Only a small device is implanted just beneath the skin to send electrical pulses to the spinal cord. In doing so, pain signals are disrupted
You do not have to suffer with diabetic peripheral neuropathy. Schedule a consultation with a StrideCare vascular specialist today. Our collaborative approach ensures that you receive the care you need.
Here is how SCS works:
- The patient is placed prone on the operating table, and the area is cleansed to avoid infection.
- An epidural needle is placed in the skin. A lead is inserted into the epidural space via the epidural needle under fluoroscopic guidance. The lead is advanced through the posterior paramedian epidural space until the appropriate location, providing coverage of the patient's pain region, which may require one or more leads.
- If a trial procedure, the lead is then adhered to the skin using a suture, surgical adhesive, or skin glue. The remaining portion of the lead connects to an external pulse generator, which is also secured to the skin using a suture or skin glue, a chlorhexidine patch, and a sterile dressing.
- If the procedure is permanent, a midline incision is made through the skin down to the supraspinous fascia. The leads are anchored in this space using a nonabsorbable suture and an anchoring device. The permanent lead is tunneled from the midline incision into the lateral pocket. At this point, an extension wire is connected to the permanent wire to tunnel the lead away from the lateral pocket.
Immediately following a Spinal Cord Stimulation procedure, patients may notice swelling, bruising, and tenderness around the treated areas. This is normal, and side effects typically resolve on their own within a few days. Patients can go home the same day and return to normal activities within a few days. Patients may need to schedule regular follow-up appointments with their healthcare provider to monitor the effectiveness of the implanted device.
A StrideCare vascular specialist will provide patients with detailed post-procedure care instructions prior to SCS, so patients can know what to expect during recovery. A few benefits include:
- Improved sleep
- Improved mobility
- Opioid-free
- Outpatient procedure
- Minimal downtime and short recovery period
- Reduction in symptoms
This video features a StrideCare patient testimonial. Brian experienced an excruciating burning pain in his feet before undergoing a Spinal Cord Stimulation procedure. After completing his procedure with Dr. Danny Chan, Brian experienced a significant reduction in pain and was able to return to normal activities within three weeks.
StrideCare Specializes in Spinal Cord Stimulation (SCS) Treatments
It is essential to recognize the symptoms of peripheral neuropathy early and seek guidance from a medical professional who can advise you on your next steps. Sometimes, medication and physical therapy might help in minor diabetic neuropathy cases. But in some cases, additional intervention is necessary. For those concerned about surgery, there is an alternative solution. Spinal Cord Stimulation is a game-changer when it comes to interrupting the pain signals that have been causing you discomfort for so long.
StrideCare's mission is to surround ourselves with the best in this field so that our patients are never short of options for reclaiming their lives. StrideCare has long been a leader in multi-specialty care for treating lower-extremity vascular and podiatric conditions. That includes our ability to perform leading-edge procedures to treat artery and vein disease and symptoms that, while minor in their earliest stages, can eventually lead to more serious and life-interrupting issues. The experts at StrideCare will recommend a personalized plan to help you achieve the best results.
Please contact us at 866-552-4866 or complete the appointment form to schedule a consultation. StrideCare continues to be a leader in performing leading-edge procedures to treat these and other conditions—all the while providing compassionate patient care.
Before starting any new treatment or questions regarding a medical condition, always seek the advice of your doctor or other qualified health provider. This information is not a substitute for professional medical advice.
StrideCare serves North Texas and South Texas communities, including Sugar Land, Sulphur Springs, The Woodlands, Waxahachie, Webster, Addison, Allen, Anna, Arlington, Austin, Carrollton, Celina, Clear Lake, Craig Ranch, Dallas, Euless, Flower Mound, Forney, Fort Worth, Frisco, Garland, Houston, Irving, Katy, Kaufman, Mansfield, McKinney, Mesquite, Midland, North Dallas, Odessa, Paris, Pecos, Plano, Prosper, Rockwall, Round Rock, Rowlett, Royce City, San Antonio, Sherman, South Dallas, Southlake, Stone Oak, and more.
*Patient names and/or photos may be changed to protect patient confidentiality.