Our Skilled Texas Foot Doctors Use Electrical Stimulation to Revolutionize Neuropathy Treatment
Sharp, tingling sensations shoot through your feet like electricity, making each step a challenge. Or maybe you don’t feel anything at all—and this constant numbness compromises safe mobility. These are just a few symptoms of peripheral neuropathy, and if you’re struggling with it, you’re not alone. The Institute for Healthcare Policy and Innovation at the University of Michigan states that this complex condition affects approximately 20 million people in the U.S., particularly those with diabetes.
While some remedies such as pain relievers or antidepressants offer temporary relief, few provide a real solution. At The Foot Institute, our El Paso podiatrists take pride in offering advanced interventions to reduce your neuropathy pain and numbness. Take a moment to learn more about one of our state-of-the-art services, VST Electro-Stimulation.
Causes and Complications of Peripheral Neuropathy
This condition develops when nerves outside your central nervous system are damaged or dysfunctional, disrupting the communication between your feet and the brain. It’s classified as mononeuropathy if it affects one nerve, multiple mononeuropathy if it impacts two or more nerves in different locations, and polyneuropathy if many nerves are damaged.
Although the exact causes of peripheral neuropathy are unknown, there are many contributing factors. For example, doctors believe some people with diabetes experience it because uncontrolled blood sugar damages your nerves’ ability to transmit signals and compromises their oxygen and nutrient supply. In our offices, we’ve also treated individuals who developed neuropathy because of:
- Chemotherapy
- Foot injury and trauma
- Post-surgical complications
- Vitamin deficiencies
In rare circumstances, patients are suffering from idiopathic neuropathy, an illness that impairs the peripheral nerves but doesn’t have a known cause.
There are many complications with neuropathy disorders, such as:
- Sensory changes. You might experience tingling, burning, or stabbing sensations in your feet. Numbness is another common effect, making it difficult to sense temperature or pain.
- Motor function. In some circumstances, neuropathy weakens the muscles in your feet, affecting your balance and mobility and increasing your risk of falling.
- Autonomic issues. This condition also affects the nerves that control sweating, potentially leading to dry, cracked skin on your feet.
Maybe you’ve noticed other issues, too, such as an inability to exercise or engage in other activities you once enjoyed, trouble sleeping, and constant frustration because of chronic irritation.
At The Foot Institute in El Paso, we're committed to treating your symptoms and providing the proper education about your condition and possible ways to resolve it. You can take control of your foot health with the right care and innovative treatments like electrical stimulation.
What Is Electrical Stimulation for Neuropathy?
This non-invasive therapy uses controlled electrical currents to target affected nerves, potentially offering relief where other approaches have failed. Our podiatrists have a specialized device called the VST MyoDynamic®, a technologically advanced treatment modality developed by a highly acclaimed NASA electrical engineer that utilizes controlled waveforms to stimulate muscles and mimics the body’s natural electrical signals.
The results of VST Electro-Stimulation include:
- Pain reduction. By stimulating nerve fibers, this therapy may help normalize activity and block pain signals to the brain.
- Improved circulation. The electrical currents can enhance blood flow to the affected areas, promoting healing.
- Reduced inflammation. Electrical currents can trigger anti-inflammatory responses in the body, reducing the swelling that often accompanies uncomfortable neuropathy symptoms.
- Nerve regeneration. Some studies suggest that electrical stimulation may encourage nerve repair and regrowth.
- Enhanced sensory perception. Many patients report improved sensation in their feet after treatment.
While every patient's experience is unique, many have found significant relief through electrical stimulation. From regaining the ability to walk comfortably to reducing dependence on pain medication, the outcomes can be life-changing. Other benefits of this treatment approach are that it’s:
- Non-invasive—no surgery or needles are required.
- Drug-free—which reduces reliance on pain medications.
- Convenient—appointments are in our office, and then you can return to your workday or other commitments.
- Long-lasting—many patients experience prolonged neuropathy relief after a course of recommended treatment.
The VST Electro-Stimulation Treatment Process: What to Expect
When you visit The Foot Institute for electrical stimulation therapy, our board-certified foot and ankle specialists provide you with comprehensive podiatric care. This starts with a conversation about how your neuropathy symptoms are affecting your quality of life. Then, we’ll complete a medical history intake and a detailed assessment of your condition.
We then develop a customized treatment plan, tailored to your specific needs and symptoms. VST Electro-Stimulation therapy usually happens over several sessions, depending on your condition. Each session lasts approximately one hour, and some people say they notice a positive difference after the first visit.
Since we use a unique low-distortion waveform, this minimizes tissue irritation and pain. Most of our patients describe the sensation of electrical stimulation as a gentle tingling or buzzing.
For maximum benefit, we may recommend combining electrical stimulation with:
- Physical therapy to improve strength and mobility.
- Nutritional counseling to support overall nerve health.
- Custom orthotics for better foot support and pressure distribution.
Is Electrical Stimulation Right for You?
If you're struggling with neuropathy symptoms, VST Electro-Stimulation could be the solution you've been searching for. However, it's essential to consult with a qualified foot doctor on our team to determine the best course of action for your specific condition.
Additionally, if you have certain medical conditions, electric stimulation might not be the right neuropathy treatment for you. This includes patients with pacemakers, defibrillators, or other implanted electrical devices, broken bones or metal components in the affected area, and deep vein thrombosis. We also advise another course of treatment for expectant mothers.
Reduce Neuropathy Pain and Irritation Now
With four convenient locations in El Paso, The Foot Institute is ready to help you explore the benefits of electrical stimulation and other innovative treatments for your foot health. Our experienced podiatrists are committed to finding the right solution for your neuropathy symptoms. Our extensive training and skills allow us to identify, diagnose, and appropriately treat even the most complex foot problems—but most importantly, we treat you with the dedicated care and attention you deserve.