The tingling sensation begins in your toes, gradually intensifying into burning pain that makes even the gentlest touch unbearable. Simple activities like walking across the room or wearing socks become challenging obstacles in your daily life. Sleep is elusive as the discomfort worsens at night. For those suffering from peripheral neuropathy, this scenario is all too familiar.
At Alliance Foot and Ankle Specialists, our Grapevine TX pain management team offers neurostimulator therapy as an effective treatment option for patients seeking relief from this type of pain. Unfortunately, misconceptions about this advanced technology prevent many people from exploring this solution, which could significantly improve their quality of life.
Below, we discuss five common myths about neurostimulators and replace fiction with nerve stimulation facts to help you make informed decisions about your peripheral neuropathy treatment.
Myth #1: Neurostimulators Are Experimental and Unproven
People sometimes hesitate to consider neurostimulator therapy because they believe it's an experimental treatment without substantial evidence supporting its effectiveness. The truth is that neurostimulators are FDA-approved and are backed by extensive clinical research demonstrating their safety and effectiveness. These devices use proven technology that delivers mild electrical impulses to interrupt pain signals before they reach the brain.
While no treatment works for everyone, neurostimulators have a well-established track record of helping patients with chronic foot and ankle pain reduce pain medication use and improve mobility. Technology continues advancing with newer, more refined devices that offer better outcomes than ever. Our Grapevine TX pain management specialists have successfully treated numerous patients who previously found little relief from other conventional treatments, but experienced significant pain reduction after nerve stimulation therapy.
Myth #2: The Implantation Procedure Is Risky and Painful
Another common concern is that getting a neurostimulator requires major surgery with significant risks and recovery time. In reality, modern neurostimulator placement is typically performed as a minimally invasive outpatient procedure. The process begins with a trial period using an external device to ensure effectiveness before any permanent implantation.
The actual implantation procedure usually takes about an hour and requires only small incisions. Patients typically return home the same day and can resume light activities within a few days. While some temporary discomfort at the incision site is normal, people often report that it’s milder than the neuropathy pain they've been experiencing. Our foot and ankle specialists carefully explain each step and answer all questions so you know exactly what to expect throughout the entire process, from initial consultation through recovery.
Myth #3: Neurostimulators Restrict Your Lifestyle and Activities
Many people worry that having a neurostimulator means giving up activities they enjoy or facing significant limitations in daily life. In fact, neurostimulators are designed to enhance your lifestyle by reducing the pain that currently restricts your activities. Modern devices are compact, lightweight, and discreetly placed under the skin. Once healed, most patients forget the device is even there.
Today's neurostimulators are compatible with most regular activities, including swimming, moderate exercise, and travel. Some temporary precautions apply immediately after implantation, but these restrictions are typically short-term. Many patients are able to return to activities they had abandoned due to pain, such as gardening, walking for exercise, or playing with grandchildren.
The device controller is about the size of a small remote, allowing you to adjust settings as needed throughout the day. Some of the newest systems even work with smartphone apps, making adjustments more convenient than ever.
Myth #4: The Relief Is Temporary or Diminishes Over Time
A frequent concern is that neurostimulators might provide initial relief but become less effective over time, requiring replacement or adjustment. In reality, most patients continue to experience significant pain relief years after implantation. While occasional reprogramming may help optimize the device for changing pain patterns, the basic technology remains effective in the long term. In newer models, batteries typically last 5-10 years, and replacement is a simple outpatient procedure.
At Alliance Foot and Ankle Specialists, we provide ongoing support to ensure your device continues working optimally. Regular follow-up appointments allow us to make any necessary adjustments and address any concerns promptly. We've found that patients who maintain these check-ups report the highest satisfaction with their long-term results.
Neurostimulator therapy consistently relieves diabetic foot pain, allowing many patients to reduce or eliminate pain medications and regain independence. This sustained improvement in quality of life is the true measure of treatment success.
Myth #5: Insurance Won't Cover Neurostimulator Therapy
Many patients assume neurostimulator therapy will be prohibitively expensive and not covered by insurance plans. The truth is that Medicare and most private insurance plans cover neurostimulator therapy for patients who meet specific criteria, typically including a documented history of peripheral neuropathy, attempted conservative treatments, and a successful trial period.
While coverage varies by plan, our experienced team works with patients to navigate insurance requirements. Our office staff handles insurance verification, pre-authorization, and documentation to maximize your coverage. Our Tarrant County, Texas, podiatry practice is committed to helping you understand your coverage and explore all available options for making neurostimulator therapy affordable.