Dr. Waldman’s peripheral neuropathy treatment at North Tampa Foot Care, Tampa, Florida

Peripheral neuropathy is nerve damage that causes the nerves outside of the brain and spinal cord to malfunction. This often leads to painful and/or disruptive symptoms in the feet and lower legs but these symptoms may also progress to other parts of the body.

While symptoms of peripheral neuropathy vary, some of the more common symptoms include, but are not limited to:

• Burning
• Tingling
• Pins and needles sensation
• Cold toes
• Numbness
• Tightness
• Feeling of wearing a stocking or sock around your feet, ankles, legs
• Swelling
• Feeling of a rubber band around the feet, ankles, or legs
• Balance problems
  

There are many causes of peripheral neuropathy including but not limited to:

• Diabetes
• Heavy alcohol consumption
• Infections
• Physical trauma
• Vitamin deficiencies
• Previous surgery
• Different medications including but not limited to chemotherapy drugs
• Autoimmune disorders
• Venereal disease
  

Unfortunately, yes. It will get worse over time if not treated.

Peripheral neuropathy may progress to affect the sensation and function of nerves in the hands, arms, abdomen, and face. It may also cause incontinence, sexual dysfunction, digestive problems, breathing issues, and muscle atrophy.

While there is no cure for peripheral neuropathy, treatment is available. 

The goal of treatment revolves around reducing pain and discomfort, as well as slowing down and/or preventing progression of the disease. 

While management of the underlying cause of the peripheral neuropathy (if applicable) is essential, treatment of the peripheral neuropathy itself includes combination of oral medication, prescription creams, physical therapy, and regenerative medicine. 

Not all treatment is the same for everybody, so physical exam and testing is of utmost importance to ensure the most appropriate customized treatment plan.

Dr. Waldman not only received unique training in treatment for peripheral neuropathy but then went onto become a pioneer and leader in the forefront of minimally invasive treatment for lower extremity pain management, including treatment for peripheral neuropathy. She lectures and educates medical students and other physicians on the long-term devastating effects of peripheral neuropathy and the treatments that may be performed to prevent those devastating outcomes. 

Each treatment plan is customized as no two people are exactly alike. 

Treatment plans that are uniquely offered and administered by Dr. Waldman at North Tampa Foot Care include:

Vitamin B12 has long been recognized as an essential part of nerve health and nerve function. Vitamin B12, when administered in a specific way and in a time-sensitive manner, as determined by and perfected by Dr. Waldman, aids in the regeneration and repair of the damaged nerves and promotes proper transmission of signals. This reduces dysfunction of the nerves and slows down and/or prevents progression of nerve pathology often seen in peripheral neuropathy. 

Extracellular matrix (ECM) injections are injections that are administered in a time-sensitive, specific manner by Dr. Waldman. ECM injections can guide regenerating axons of the nerve to grow in the correct direction and provide a scaffold and structure that allows for an ideal microenvironment for nerve repair and function. 

Red light therapy is a modern, non-invasive, medical technology that utilizes specific wavelengths of red light to penetrate the skin and target affected damaged or unhealthy cells in the foot and ankle. When these light waves interact with the cells, they stimulate various cellular processes that contribute to pain reduction and healing.

Red light therapy promotes the production of adenosine triphosphate (ATP), which is the energy currency of cells. This increase in cellular energy helps cells function optimally and facilitates the healing process.



Red light therapy also improves blood flow to the treated area, leading to better oxygen and nutrient delivery to affected site. This increased circulation supports regeneration and reduces inflammation, contributing to pain relief.

One of the symptoms of peripheral neuropathy is altered gait and problems with balance. Depending on the severity and the progression of the neuropathy, muscle atrophy also occurs. Prescription insoles, prescribed specifically for each foot of each person, helps reduce muscle atrophy and promote proper balance. Dr. Waldman will medically evaluate the biomechanics and take and review radiographs to determine the correct prescription so that muscles and balance do not become problematic.