When Should You Consider Electrochemical Therapy for Persistent Foot Neuropathy?

Up to 13.5% of the US population has neuropathy, an umbrella term referring to nerve damage or dysfunction. Anyone can experience neuropathy, but it’s particularly common in those with diabetes. 

Neuropathy can affect nerves throughout the body, including the feet. Nerves can’t always be repaired, but early diagnosis and prompt treatment can prevent worsening damage and ease uncomfortable symptoms such as pain, tingling, and weakness.

One treatment that’s gaining popularity is electrochemical therapy. The expert team at Twin Creeks Orthopedics and Regenerative Clinic regularly uses it to support people with foot neuropathy.

This article explains what electrochemical therapy is and who may benefit from it, so you can decide whether it’s right for you. 

An introduction to electrochemical therapy

Electrochemical therapy is a minimally invasive, outpatient procedure that combines nerve blocks with targeted low-frequency electrical waves. 

At the beginning of treatment, we inject a local anesthetic, called a nerve block, into a group of nerves in your foot or ankle. The anesthetic temporarily blocks pain signals from those nerves, helping reduce pain during treatment.

Next, we place electrodes on specific areas of your foot and ankle. Once positioned, the electrodes emit targeted electrical waves that penetrate the deep tissue beneath your skin. These electrical waves are designed to increase circulation to your foot and reduce inflammation, which may support healthier nerve function. 

Together, these effects may help relieve foot neuropathy symptoms so you can return to your daily routine.

When to consider electrochemical therapy

Consider undergoing electrochemical therapy if you’ve been diagnosed with peripheral neuropathy and your symptoms affect your quality of life. That’s especially true if you want to explore non-drug options and regularly experience foot and ankle pain, tingling, or numbness that:

• Persist despite time, rest, and conservative care
• Don’t improve with other treatments
• Interfere with your daily activities

You must also manage your underlying diabetes. Keeping your blood sugar within the target range can help prevent or slow further nerve damage. It can also help reduce the risk of other common complications, such as diabetic ulcers.

How to tell if electrochemical therapy is right for you

The best way to determine if electrochemical therapy is right for you is to undergo an evaluation at Twin Creeks Orthopedics and Regenerative Clinic. 

After discussing your symptoms, performing a physical exam, and ordering diagnostic tests if needed, we can make personalized treatment recommendations.

That said, if you’ve tried other treatments without success and want to avoid surgery or additional medication, electrochemical therapy may be worth looking into. It’s considered safe, and many people tolerate it well.

Request an electrochemical therapy consultation

Contact us today if foot neuropathy is keeping you from activities such as work and exercise. To make an appointment, call (469) 342-3383 or book online.