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"Light Therapy" For Neuropathy Pain Relief

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Published: 01Nov2009
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Peripheral neuropathy or malfunctioning nerves in the feet or hands are becoming more and more common. Often they are related to systemic diseases such as diabetes, but may be present even without diabetic related conditions. This nerve condition can present as numbness or tingling, but often can present as significant pain. For this reason, there continues to be multiple "medication" treatments to treat the symptoms of neuropathy, but these are usually not designed to resolve the problem. For this reason, many people are looking for an option to resolve their neuropathy pain.

One treatment option that we have been utilizing since 2004 is Anodyne Therapy or "Light Therapy" to treat neuropathy pain and in many individuals improve the nerve functioning. This therapy is called MIRE (Monochromatic Infrared Energy) and is performed in our office at a frequency of approximately 3 times per week 30 minutes at a time for 4 weeks (12 treatments) to evaluate the effectiveness in each patient. This system utilizes infrared light to stimulate the release of nitrous oxide (NO) from blood cells to stimulate increased blood circulation (vasodilation), decreased nerve pain and improved nerve functioning. It often is very effective at improving neuropathy without medications.

Vasodilation

In one study run by Anodyne, Moor Scanning Laser Doppler was utilized to measure circulation flow after a 20 - 30 minute Anodyne treatment and showed 400% (at least) increase of circulation to the feet. This was also shown to be maintained at approximately 164% after 4 hours. This therefore is considered true improvement of circulation, as a heating pad only produced 40% improvement after treatment and decrease in blood flow within 2 hours of treatment.

Since one cause of neuropathy is the poor blood flow to the nerves by a small vessel called the vasa nervosa, this increased blood flow will improve the functioning of the nerve and even decrease associated pain from poor circulation to the area. Even in patients where nerve pain isn't completely resolved, this has been shown to be beneficial due to improved circulation to the area.

Nitrous Oxide

This substance utilized in the body as a stimulant for vasodilation, to reduce a chemical called substance P (a pain stimulant) and to stimulate nerve functioning. In fact, many studies have shown decreased chronic pain as much as 63%. We have seen similar results with close to 75% finding improvement of nerve pain from 12 treatments of MIRE.

So the main question is: "Does Light Therapy improve neuropathy pain?" Yes. "Does it always work?" No. Many people find beneficial results from this therapy, but it will require long-term, even life-long use. By undergoing 12 treatment, the value of therapy can be measured, and an at home system can be purchased or leased to continue the treatments. Even though it may not work in all individuals with neuropathy, it helps many people without the possible side effects of medications. If it works, you can have your life back with minimal risk.

Brandt R. Gibson, DPM, MS is a podiatrist in American Fork, Utah with special interest in neuropathy and any new treatments. For further educational materials and recommended medical products, visit http://www.utahfootdoc.com/NumbFeet.htm . A free book on foot and ankle health can also be ordered at http://www.MyFeetHurtBook.com

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