Painful Diabetic Neuropathy
Painful diabetic neuropathy is a common complication of diabetes that damages nerves, often causing burning, stabbing, or tingling sensations, primarily in the feet and hands. High blood sugar levels over time can injure nerve fibers, disrupting communication between the brain and affected areas. People with this condition may experience increased sensitivity to touch, making everyday activities uncomfortable. As diabetic neuropathy progresses, it can significantly impact quality of life and overall well-being
Symptoms of Painful Diabetic Neuropathy
A tingling or burning feeling
Slow-healing foot or leg sores (ulcers)
Difficulty walking and/or standing
Total loss of sensation in your feet
Sharp, jabbing pain that may be worse at night
Medication, physical therapy, nerve blocks, and other treatments have not helped
Numbness or less ability to feel pain or temperature changes, especially in the feet and toes
Finding Freedom from Diabetic Neuropathy: A Drug-Free Path to Relief
Our treatment for diabetic neuropathy is a two-step process designed to provide effective, long-term relief. To help determine if this therapy is right for you, we offer a Spinal Cord Stimulator Trial, followed by a permanent implant for long-term pain management if the trial is successful. This minimally invasive treatment not only helps reduce pain but can also improve sensation and balance for those with diabetic neuropathy.
Phase One: Spinal Cord Stimulator Trial
The Spinal Cord Stimulator Trial is a quick, 15-20 minute procedure done in the doctor’s office under local anesthesia or sedation. It allows patients to try out the pain relief benefits of a spinal cord stimulator before committing to permanent implantation. The device sends high frequency electrical impulses that block pain signals from the back and legs to the brain, offering relief from chronic pain.
During the trial, small wires (called leads) are placed along the spine at the area where pain is coming from. These leads are connected to a temporary external device taped to your back. You can adjust the settings using a wireless remote to manage your pain. Over 7 days, you’ll track your pain levels to see how well the device works.
If the trial results in a significant reduction in pain (more than 75%), a permanent implant may be recommended.
In addition to easing back and leg pain, the spinal cord stimulator may improve sensation in the feet and toes for those with diabetic neuropathy, which can help with balance and reduce the risk of falls.
Phase Two: Spinal Cord Stimulator Implant
If the trial is successful, the next step is the Spinal Cord Stimulator Implant, a minimally invasive procedure for long-term pain management.
This outpatient surgery, which typically takes 30-60 minutes, involves placing a small device under the skin to continue relieving pain in the back and legs, and in some cases, improving foot and toe sensation. The procedure is performed under local anesthesia or sedation.
A small incision is made along the spine to insert the leads, and another incision is made near the upper buttocks to place the pulse generator. The leads’ placement is based on where the pain originates. After ensuring the device is working properly, the incisions are closed.
Most patients go home the same day, though some tenderness or discomfort at the treatment site may last for a few weeks.
Feel Better, Faster.
Minimally invasive
Less risk than with traditional surgery
Proven to decrease pain by an average of 80%
Drug-free treatment
Provides pain relief without tingling sensation
Our Patient’s Testimonials
What our patients are saying about us
Locations
Scottsdale Clinic
8111 E Thomas Rd, Ste 100 Scottsdale, AZ, 85251
Gilbert Clinic
2450 E Guadalupe Rd, Ste 102 Gilbert, AZ 85234
93rd Clinic
13634 N 93rd Ave, Ste 200 Peoria, AZ, 85381
