Living with chronic foot pain can be physically and emotionally draining. It can limit your ability to participate in the activities you enjoy and affect your overall well-being. However, advancements in medical technology have led to the development of cutting-edge treatments for chronic pain that offer hope for individuals suffering for long periods of time.
Two of the latest therapies offered by our DFW foot doctors at Alliance Foot & Ankle Specialists are the Primary Relief Vagal Nerve Stimulator and MLS Laser Therapy. These cutting-edge treatments for chronic pain have many benefits and may help you find relief quickly and effectively.
Understanding Chronic Foot Pain
It’s challenging to manage your daily routine and keep pace with day-to-day life if you have sore feet or constant foot pain. Chronic foot pain can prevent you from enjoying the activities you love, make it hard to exercise, and negatively impact your overall health. It’s expected that you might have sort feet after a day of standing, working, or too much walking. But when you have constant pain that home treatments don’t resolve, it’s important to see a DFW podiatrist who understands the causes of chronic foot pain and offers state-of-the-art treatment.
Common Causes of Chronic Foot Pain
- Injuries. Past injuries, such as sprains, fractures, or strains, can lead to long-lasting foot pain if not properly treated.
- Arthritis. Conditions such as osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis can affect the joints in the feet, leading to chronic pain and inflammation.
- Nerve damage. Nerve-related conditions such as neuropathy or nerve entrapment syndrome can cause chronic foot pain. These conditions involve damage or compression of nerves, leading to persistent pain, tingling, numbness, or burning sensations in the feet.
- Plantar fasciitis. Inflammation of the plantar fascia, a band of tissue that connects the heel bone to the toes, can result in persistent heel and foot pain.
- Achilles tendinitis. Achilles tendinitis is inflammation of the Achilles tendon at the back of the ankle. This condition can lead to chronic foot pain and often develops due to repetitive strain or overuse injuries.
- Flat feet. Flat feet can cause chronic foot pain. When the arch of the foot is not adequately supported, excessive strain is placed on other structures, leading to chronic pain and fatigue.
- Medical conditions. Certain medical conditions, such as diabetes, gout, or fibromyalgia, can contribute to chronic foot pain.
The Primary Relief Vagal Nerve Stimulator (aka Neurostimulator)
Chronic foot pain is not normal, and seeking appropriate medical care is crucial. With the right treatment and support, it is possible to alleviate the pain, regain mobility, and improve your overall quality of life. The Primary Relief Vagal Nerve Stimulator is a cutting-edge therapy that involves the use of an implanted device to deliver electrical signals to the vagus nerve, which plays a vital role in regulating various bodily functions. The device operates by utilizing electrical currents applied to three small needles that target the vagus nerve, accessed through the ear. Once activated, it remains active for a period of 10 days, functioning until its battery supply is depleted.
By modulating the nervous system, the Primary Relief Vagal Nerve Stimulator may alleviate foot pain by disrupting pain signals and promoting the release of endorphins, the body's natural painkillers. This innovative treatment provides a promising and innovative approach to pain management, giving hope to those who suffer from chronic foot pain.
Advantages of Neurostimulation for Chronic Foot Pain
Neurostimulation has emerged as a promising and effective treatment for chronic foot pain. It offers numerous benefits over traditional approaches. One major advantage of neurostimulation is that it’s an alternative to opioid painkillers. Opioids, while effective in managing pain, come with the risk of addiction, dependence, and numerous side effects. Neurostimulation provides a non-pharmacological option that can significantly reduce or even eliminate the need for opioids, thereby reducing the associated risks.
Benefits of Neurostimulation for Chronic Foot Pain
- Reduction of foot pain. Neurostimulation targets the nerves responsible for transmitting pain signals from the foot and leg to the brain. Neurostimulation disrupts the pain signals by delivering electrical impulses to these nerves, resulting in a significant reduction in pain sensations. Patients often experience relief and improved quality of life.
- Minimally invasive. Neurostimulation is a minimally invasive procedure that involves the implantation of a small device. Compared to more invasive surgical procedures, neurostimulation offers a relatively straightforward and safe treatment option.
- No significant side effects. Neurostimulation has minimal side effects. While each person’s experience may vary, most patients report minimal to no side effects associated with the procedure.
MLS Laser Therapy for Chronic Foot Pain
When it comes to cutting-edge technology, there may not be a more effective treatment than MLS laser therapy. This new treatment available at our office in Keller, TX, uses the latest technology to accelerate the body’s natural healing processes. The laser beam is moved over the skin so that the light energy (photons) penetrates the tissue where it interacts with various molecules (chromophores) that cause different biological effects. It produces a photochemical, photothermal and photomechanical effect.
In fact, according to the Lederman Kwartowitz Center for Orthopedics & Sports Medicine, numbers show that up to 97% of patients that undergo laser therapy for their chronic pain see significant pain relief.
Is Relief From MLS Laser Therapy Long Lasting?
For most patients the answer is "Yes". While each person and each condition varies, many patients receive tremendous relief from their pain and inflammation when they go through a series of MLS Laser Therapy treatments. While most patients may not need additional treatments in the future, some conditions, like arthritis, are degenerative.
The great thing about MLS Laser Therapy for arthritic patients is that once you feel better, you can be more active and it is this increased activity that helps minimize the long term effects of arthritis. Even so, you may need an occasional single MLS treatment every 4 to 6 weeks over the course of the year just to hold the inflammation at bay and keep the arthritic pain in check.
Other Treatment Options Available
The Primary Relief Vagal Nerve Stimulator may not benefit every patient. Your Tarrant County foot doctor will determine if this treatment suits you. They may recommend other types of chronic foot pain treatment options, such as the following:
- Physical therapy
- Stretching exercises
- Over-the-counter pain medication
- Custom orthotics
- Footwear changes
- Injections of a corticosteroid medication
In severe cases where conservative options do not provide relief from chronic pain, surgical interventions may be necessary to address underlying structural issues. Your podiatrist will determine the best course of action based on the specific cause of your foot pain.
Why You Should Schedule an Appointment With Our DFW Foot Doctor
You do not have to live in chronic pain. If you are experiencing chronic foot pain, consulting with a qualified DFW foot doctor is vital. A podiatrist will help identify the underlying causes of your foot pain and can recommend appropriate treatment options such as the Primary Relief Vagal Nerve Stimulator or other advanced treatments tailored to your condition.
Chronic foot pain is often a symptom of an underlying condition that, if left untreated, can worsen over time and lead to further complications. Early intervention from an experienced foot doctor can help alleviate pain, improve mobility, and prevent long-term damage, ensuring you maintain a healthy and active lifestyle.
Contact Our DFW Chronic Foot Pain Specialist for a Consult
Don't let foot pain linger any longer than it has too! Let our chronic foot pain podiatrist in DFW help give you the relief you so badly deserve. Click the button below or call 817.481.4000 to schedule a consult and get your feet on the path to relief.