PERIPHERAL NERVE DECOMPRESSION
Peripheral Nerve Decompression

Surgical Peripheral Nerve Decompression for Diabetic and Non-Diabetic Neuropathy

Definition of Neuropathy

The word comes from “neuro,” meaning pertaining to the nerves, and “pathy,” derived from the Greek word pathos, which means sickness or disease of a particular system.
Symptoms
Most patients suffering with some form of neuropathy describe the following symptoms: numbness, burning, loss of sensation, restless legs, and loss of balance. Usually, pain is most severe with the first step in the morning or after a period of rest. The pain can be described as a “stone bruise” by some, and a stabbing pain by others.
Cause
Diabetes and certain other diseases may cause swelling of the nerve. Areas where these peripheral nerves pass through anatomic tunnels, such as the carpal tunnel in the hand, may become chronically compressed. As a result of decompressing an entrapped nerve, the nerve has the ability to regenerate even in the diabetic patient. In many cases, there can be a restoration of sensation, decrease in the neuropathic pain, and an increase in balance.
Treatment
There have been numerous studies which have documented that there can be a restoration of sensation and a reduction of pain in patients with symptomatic diabetic peripheral neuropathy after surgical neurolysis. Consult our podiatrist for more information.
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