nerve decompression – Anderson Podiatry Center

A New Cause of Muscle Twitching in Legs and a Solution

Posted on December 12, 2024June 27, 2025 by admin

Twitches are common. Muscle twitching is a common complaint that can be associated with restless legs (RLS). You do not have to have restless legs to have muscle twitching, but it can be a symptom related to restless legs that is annoying, and in its more severe forms can present as jerking in the legs. Another term to describe this is periodic limb movement disorder (PLMD). Another common medical term to describe muscle twitching is muscle fasciculations. Both muscle twitching and muscle fasciculations can be used interchangeably. Muscle twitching can be in different parts of the body. In this blog, we will specifically focus on muscle twitching and how it relates to restless legs syndrome but before we do so we need to mention other medical conditions or reasons that you may be getting muscle twitching in your leg.

Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), or also known as Lou Gehrig’s Disease – This is a severe neurological condition that includes speech difficulties such as slurred speech and difficulty speaking. It can also cause muscle weakness that can become severe in the hands, arms, feet, and legs. If you are having significant weakness of muscles or difficulty speaking, this could lead you to suspect ALS.
Increased adrenaline – Anything that stimulates the body such as caffeine or stress may also be a cause of muscle twitching.
Fatigue – Any type of activity that may cause muscle fatigue may result in muscle twitching along with muscle spasms and muscle cramps after the activity is completed.
Benign Fasciculation Syndrome – This is a medical condition that can cause fasciculations in various muscle groups of which there is no known cause.

Treatment of muscle twitching in legs

Because these symptoms are not serious, there aren’t any FDA-approved treatments that are known to stop muscle twitching. There may be medications that are used to relax the muscles and reduce muscle twitching. However, the side effects of these medications are not worth the benefits.

Muscle Twitching/Jerking as it relates to Restless Legs

A New Hypothesis

To understand muscle twitching as it relates to restless legs, we first must understand the two basic anatomical components of the nervous system.

Central Nervous System

The central nervous system is composed of the brain and the spinal cord. Most research regarding restless legs involves the central nervous system. It is thought that lower dopamine levels or lower iron levels in the brain may correlate to having restless legs. Oftentimes medications are used to increase dopamine levels or iron levels in the brain.

Peripheral nervous system

The peripheral nervous system is composed of nerves that extend to the arms and legs. An example in the upper extremity is the median nerve in the wrist which undergoes compression as it passes through a tunnel called the carpal tunnel. Another area is the ulnar nerve in the elbow which is also referred to as the funny bone when you hit your elbow. This new idea about jerking or twitching is that it may be caused by damage to the nerves of the peripheral nervous system.

Background

This author has successively reversed the symptoms of neuropathy for over two decades. The symptoms of neuropathy are reversed by opening (decompressing) different nerve tunnels in the lower extremity. By releasing the compression on these nerves, the symptoms of neuropathy can be improved. Approximately ten years ago, it was found that two additional nerve tunnels could be causing nerve compression and seem to be highly correlated to restless legs. By relieving pressure on the nerves in these two tunnels, reversal of restless legs symptoms was possible. Not only were the symptoms of nervousness, restlessness, creepy crawly sensations, and cramping released but also jerking and fasciculations were also reduced or eliminated.

How This Concept Disrupts Conventional Medicines Theory on Twitching and Jerking related to Restless legs?

Until the recent observation of patients having great success with nerve decompression surgery helping restless legs, it had always been assumed that iron and dopamine may play a major role. That is not to say that they may have some impact, however, it is important to note that surgical decompression has shown success and should be considered an option especially when restless legs symptoms are severe.

The new hypothesis for muscle twitching in the leg.

The idea is that the twitching can be caused by the peripheral nervous system when the nerves are damaged from excessive compression. This damage to the nerve may cause a noxious sensation in the legs and send a signal to the spinal cord and the central nervous system that results in a twitching or jerking response in the muscles in the leg.

In some cases, severe jerking is involuntary meaning it cannot be controlled by the patient. Another possibility is that the compression also damages the motor neurons that stimulate muscle contraction. This may also create twitching and lead to muscle weakness which is seen in some patients with restless legs. With the noxious stimuli, if it is mild, the patient may present with fasciculations. Currently, we have one peer-reviewed published paper showing the fact that we can reverse restless legs symptoms, and another paper soon to be published. Both papers report that jerking is eliminated or greatly reduced.

So, if you have severe symptoms of restless legs that are affecting your sleep and also there is twitching in your legs, understand that there may be another option. This new option of decompression of tight nerve tunnels in the legs tells us there’s a possibility that the twitching may be related to the compression of the nerve. I often refer to restless legs as restless legs compression syndrome as for many there is compression in the nerve tunnels in the legs where the symptoms of restless legs are found.

Experiencing unexplained muscle twitching in your legs? Our foot and nerve specialists can help pinpoint the cause and find a solution.

Call us today at our Fort Collins location (970) 484-4620, Broomfield location (720) 259-5053 or use our online scheduling system to book your appointment.

David Post Operation

Arlene is cured of muscle twitching in her legs after 25 years

Chronic Nerve Pain: Hope vs. Medication

Posted on February 28, 2017July 1, 2025 by admin

My motivation for writing this blog is to reach out to those taking medications for their nerve pain; to encourage you to pause and consider other options for treating your restless legs or neuropathy. To help illustrate my point, I would like to share with you a story:

A patient I recently saw, I’ll call her Carol, had been to my office years ago and had surgery performed on one of her feet. She returned with a new complaint of chronic nerve pain, having been told she had neuropathy. She was also concerned that her foot was going to need surgery to fuse an arthritic joint. So, she had nerve pain and joint pain.

It had been 10 years since I had seen her, and she had gained some weight since then. The weight gain started when she sought treatment for her neuropathy. A pain specialist she was referred to treated her nerve pain with a heavily marketed drug for treatment of diabetic nerve pain.

She, like many others I see, was taking a lot of this medication. It does reduce some of the pain, but the trade-off is she had now gained 30-40 pounds, which is a common side effect.

Because I am confident that many of these folks can have their nerve pain reversed, it’s personally very frustrating to hear these stories. I’ve seen four patients this year who have gained 60 pounds. Yes, 60! Imagine the strain that puts on the rest of the body. High blood pressure, potential for diabetes, increased cancer risk, not to mention joint pains that will limit activity even more.

Over time, with the added weight, her arthritic feet became more painful. She was now also on a narcotic medication to help manage all this pain, which puts her at risk for addiction.

I reviewed with her the new treatment options we offer. Though there are no guarantees, we do have a very high probability of reversing her severe nerve symptoms using our nerve decompression procedures. She will need to slow down for a few days, but will be walking the next day.

Once her nerves start functioning better, there is a good chance she can get off these drugs, or at the very least, lower the dosage. With her her nerves functioning better she may have more arthritic pain since she will now be able to feel her joints. If that occurs we will consider regenerative treatments using FDA-approved placenta cells to help her arthritic joints. As a last resort, it will be back to surgery to fuse the joints.

I believe most of this could have been avoided. However, stories like Carol’s will continue to motivate our research team at Anderson Podiatry Center for Nerve Pain to bring more research and understanding to you, and those in the medical profession.

Please consider this: we believe many of you don’t need to go down the medication pathway, as it can be very destructive. Next time you or someone you know has been told to consider a drug for a nerve issue, know that there are more advanced treatment options.

Our desire is to address the cause of the problem, explain your treatment options, and ultimately, give you more hope.

Understanding Your Mobility : The Mobility Triangle

Posted on January 31, 2017 by admin

I’ve always been a visual learner, and I’ve always liked to teach. I have a passion for helping those with neuropathy, and challenging the status quo in regards to it. Putting all these together, I’ve come up with the concept of the mobility triangle. Why? Well, before I was trained in the treatment of neuropathy I was of the same belief as many in medicine that nothing could be done. However, I have learned that nerve function has a lot to do with your mobility.

During the past 14 years I’ve had the opportunity to extensively study about and receive training on restoring more normal nerve function by doing nerve decompression procedures. The potential benefits of these procedures outweighs anything I’d previously encountered as a doctor for patients suffering form neuropathy. Having nerves that function better can affect you in very significant ways. Before my exposure to these nerve procedures I was only able to help with foot pain itself, not in treating the underlying cause of the pain. Yes, pain does affect your mobility. With pain in your feet or legs you don’t want to move around much, but eliminating foot pain doesn’t increase your mobility nearly as much as improving the nerves themselves.

So now for the triangle concept. The triangle is composed of three factors: numbness, strength, and pain. Remember, nerves that are not performing optimally affect all three.

Numbness:

Without good sensation in your feet you are not going to want to ambulate as much. It’s difficult to feel the irregularities in the surfaces you walk on, and you’re more likely to fall. Walking on a mountain trail, for example, is an activity you may choose to avoid.

Strength:

When strength is an issue, walking is obviously effected. You may not be able to push of the ground with your feet as well or lift your feet off the ground (drop foot). Falls become more probable. Again, no motivation to walk on that mountain trail, or even sidewalks for that matter.

Pain:

Yes, pain! The burning, tingling, and nerve pain keep you from sleeping well, and often get worse with activity, so once again, no maintain trail for you.

Now let’s look at the mobility triangle with each of these three points. Simply stated, if any one of these three factors of pain, strength, or numbness is affected, it will tend to affect one or both other factors. Obviously to function well all three have to be working optimally.

For example, if you’re experiencing nerve pain you may become less active. This has a negative impact on your strength, making you even less active, and then your muscles become weak. You may even become diabetic, and your feet may eventually start to go numb. Or, you may have a lot of numbness, making it hard to walk and balance, and you become even weaker. This lack of activity can cause weight gain, which can lead to more arthritis in the knees hips and back. And so it goes. Each of these factors are important and have an impact on your general health in a big way.

It’s a simple concept. But I think it’s a good way for you to understand the importance of your nerves, and the role they play in the lower extremity and your general health.

Now for your next step. Imagine a way to reverse these problems. Imagine the potential to improve your mobility triangle. This is what you’re not being told. What you are told is to take drugs, live with it, nothing can be done, and/or it’s probably your back.

Few in medicine, aside from us, are looking at the optimum function of your lower limb in terms of maximizing nerve function. However, medicine is in the midst of being challenged with this concept.

Some of the research we are doing will help in these efforts. That’s good news for you! So, keep learning and we’ll keep researching and working to give those with mobility issues more hope. Our goal is to make your lack of mobility a memory.

Lyrica: The Weight Gain Story You Need to Hear

Posted on January 3, 2017July 1, 2025 by admin

Lyrica, known generically as pregabalin, is an anticonvulsant medication commonly prescribed for conditions such as neuropathy, nerve pain, and restless legs syndrome (RLS). While it has received approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for these uses, many patients have reported significant side effects, with weight gain being among the most concerning.

Applications of Lyrica

Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS):

RLS is a neurological disorder characterized by an uncontrollable urge to move the legs, often accompanied by uncomfortable sensations. Traditionally, treatments have included dopaminergic medications like ropinirole and Mirapex, which function by increasing dopamine levels in the brain to alleviate symptoms. However, these drugs have become less favored due to severe withdrawal symptoms upon discontinuation. Consequently, Lyrica has gained popularity as an alternative treatment for RLS.

Neuropathy:

Neuropathy, whether diabetic or non-diabetic, involves nerve damage that leads to pain, tingling, or numbness, particularly in the extremities. Medical professionals often prescribe Lyrica as a primary medication to mitigate these symptoms. This is especially prevalent among older adults who develop type 2 diabetes and subsequently experience neuropathic pain.

Potential Risks and Side Effects

While Lyrica can be effective in managing nerve-related symptoms, it is associated with several side effects. Commonly reported issues include drowsiness and a feeling of spaciness, particularly at higher dosages. However, the most prominent concern among patients is weight gain. On average, individuals taking Lyrica may gain between 10 to 15 pounds, but there have been cases where patients have reported gains of 40 to 60 pounds.

This substantial increase in weight can lead to a cascade of other health problems, including elevated blood pressure and an increased risk of heart failure. Additionally, some patients experience fluid retention, resulting in significant peripheral edema in the feet and legs. The added weight also places extra stress on the joints in the lower extremities, potentially causing wear and tear that leads to osteoarthritis. In severe cases, this may necessitate surgical interventions. For those with pre-existing conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, or obesity, Lyrica-induced weight gain can increase the risk of serious health complications.

Patient Experiences with Lyrica

Many patients have shared their experiences with Lyrica, particularly concerning weight gain. It’s common to hear accounts of individuals gaining 30, 40, or even 50 pounds after starting the medication. This sudden weight increase can have profound physical and psychological effects, leading to feelings of frustration and anger, especially when patients are unaware of alternative treatments that address the root cause of their condition. Some have expressed regret, feeling that they could have avoided or discontinued the medication earlier had they known about other options.

Evaluating the Effectiveness of Lyrica

While some patients experience significant relief from nerve-related symptoms with Lyrica, others find the benefits overshadowed by the side effects. Research into the medication’s effectiveness, particularly for conditions like RLS, is limited. For instance, a research assistant investigating studies on Lyrica’s efficacy in treating RLS found a surprising lack of substantial evidence supporting its use. He did this to provide data for the book I made called A Perfect Night’s Sleep which documents our research and the effectiveness of surgical reversal of restless legs. The assistant was shocked at how little research there is to show its effectiveness.

Patient Perspectives on Lyrica

Patients’ experiences with Lyrica can generally be categorized into three groups:

The “just say no” group: These individuals are strongly opposed to taking medications, often due to concerns about side effects. They prefer to avoid drugs like Lyrica and seek alternative treatments. We are a very over-drugged society and if you watch TV it seems like every other commercial is about a drug. These patients are very concerned about the side effects of any drug, not just Lyrica.
The “I’m stuck with this drug” group: This group experiences some relief from their symptoms with Lyrica but is eager to find other options to discontinue its use due to side effects like weight gain and drowsiness. They often explore treatments that address the underlying causes of their condition, such as nerve decompression procedures or non-drug therapies. It’s a love-hate thing with Lyrica: the drug helps but they pay the price with the common side effects.
The “Been there done that” group: These patients have tried Lyrica, often during periods of severe pain, but discontinued its use either because it was ineffective or due to intolerable side effects. Common complaints include feeling mentally foggy, excessive drowsiness, and significant weight gain.

You might be asking yourself, shouldn’t there be another group? And you are right, there should be. That would be the, “I take the drug, it’s awesome and I have no side effects!” Sadly, from my experience, this is the smallest group, and I seldom hear about it.

Imagine the negative physical and mental effects of carrying an extra 50 pounds. Many patients are angry and frustrated that they never knew about options that treat the root cause of the problem, and they could have avoided the medications or had an opportunity to get off the medications sooner in their life. We have had success by treating the root cause of neuropathy and restless legs with our surgical and non-surgical means and it has been rewarding for our patients who are reversing Lyrica weight gain.

How to Reverse Lyrica Weight Gain?

If you’ve gained weight on Lyrica, you’re not alone. Here are some strategies to help prevent and reverse Lyrica-related weight gain:

Evaluate Alternative Treatments – Nerve decompression therapy, physical therapy, and lifestyle changes may help manage pain without medication.
Stay Active – Light exercise like walking, yoga, or strength training can help maintain a healthy weight.
Watch Your Diet – Focus on high-protein, low-carb meals to counteract cravings and fluid retention.
Monitor Fluid Retention – Reduce salt intake and stay hydrated to minimize Lyrica-related bloating.
Talk to Your Doctor – Ask about lowering your dose or switching to a different nerve pain medication with fewer weight-related side effects.

Exploring Alternative Treatments

Given the potential risks and side effects associated with Lyrica, it’s crucial for patients to explore alternative treatment options. Addressing the root cause of neuropathic pain or RLS may offer more sustainable relief without the drawbacks of medication. For instance, nerve decompression surgery has been shown to improve symptoms in some patients by relieving pressure on compressed nerves.

Non-surgical treatments, such as electrical stimulation (ESTIM) and MLS laser therapy, have also demonstrated effectiveness in promoting nerve repair and reducing pain. ESTIM works by sending electrical pulses to stimulate nerve healing, while MLS laser therapy targets cells’ mitochondria to enhance energy production and repair processes.

Final Thoughts: Is Lyrica Worth the Risk?

While Lyrica remains a commonly prescribed medication for neuropathy, nerve pain, and restless legs syndrome, it’s essential for patients to be aware of its potential side effects, particularly significant weight gain. Exploring alternative treatments that address the underlying causes of these conditions may provide effective relief without the associated risks. Patients are encouraged to discuss these options with their healthcare providers to determine the most appropriate course of action for their individual needs.

If you’re looking for drug-free ways to manage neuropathy or restless legs, we can help! Contact us today to learn more about our proven non-surgical treatment options.

So, the message is that if you’re experiencing neuropathic pain from neuropathy or restless leg type symptoms start asking the more difficult question: what other options do I have? Is it worth the risk of potential weight gain, high blood pressure, diabetes or worsening of your diabetes, cancer, and arthritic joints by using Lyrica or other medicines?

Start looking behind another door, a door of hope. Consider shutting the door of drug treatment and learn about ways to make your nerve pain a memory!

Call us today at our Fort Collins location (970) 484-4620, Broomfield location (720) 259-5053 or use our online scheduling system to book your appointment.

View our patient testimonials and informative videos on YouTube.

Also join us on facebook for support from other previous patients and people seeking help. https://www.facebook.com/AndersonPodiatryCenter

Questions and Answers:

What is Lyrica commonly prescribed for?
Lyrica is prescribed for conditions such as neuropathy, nerve pain, and restless legs syndrome.
What are the common side effects of Lyrica?
Common side effects include weight gain, drowsiness, and mental fogginess.
How much weight do patients typically gain on Lyrica?
Patients typically gain between 10 to 15 pounds, though some have reported gains of up to 60 pounds.
What are the potential health risks associated with Lyrica-induced weight gain?
Potential health risks include increased blood pressure, heart failure, fluid retention leading to peripheral edema, and added stress on lower extremity joints, which may result in osteoarthritis.
Are there alternative treatments to Lyrica for nerve-related conditions?
Yes, there are both surgical and non-surgical treatments that address the root causes of nerve-related conditions without relying solely on medication.

How to Outsmart Your Doctor about Neuropathy

Posted on December 20, 2016 by admin

I had the rewarding experience recently of a patient sharing a story with me about how she gave a doctor a real lesson on nerve pain that seemed to put the doctor at a loss for words. The patient I’m referring to came to me with severe neuropathy symptoms. She was a very sweet lady and I soon learned to appreciate her brilliance (background in research) and quiet confidence.

On her first visit I got a complete history of her nerve pain story. She was diabetic and had problems with her walking and activity, and not so good of an experience using medications for her symptoms. She had very severe nerve symptoms and was beginning to get some weakness too.

On the first visit I try to take a lot of time to understand the patient, and educate them about the idea of nerve decompression surgery. For some, this may not be the appropriate option; for others, it is a option we pursue. As is often the case, I mention that what we do in the foot and leg is no different than what has been done in the hand and arms for many years: we simply open tight nerve tunnels like the carpel tunnel in the hand or ulnar nerve tunnel in the elbow.

I taught her about the five nerve tunnels we evaluate for potential compression. When she left, she was scheduled for a nerve test with our research assistant and returned to review the test the next week. However, before she returned to see me, she had gone to her cardiologist. She happened to bring up to that doctor what we had spoken about: the opportunity to do procedures to open her nerve tunnels to allow her nerves to function more normally.

She said at first the doctor was questioning the whole idea, the whole concept, and assumed that in today’s medical world nothing could be done. He was very skeptical. I know we doctors may seem scary to talk back to, but this patient kept educating this doctor. At the end of the conversation she shared the concepts that she had just learned. She posed this question to the doctor: If there are nerve tunnels in the foot and leg and nerve tunnels in the hands and arms, why must medicine treat each limb so differently? This stopped the doctor’s concerns in its tracks. He had no answer. Apparently, the doctor said that if you feel comfortable with this surgeon maybe you should consider it.

Wow! Why do I share this story? Because my goal with all of you when you come in with neuropathy or restless legs is to educate you. Do I succeed every time? Probably not. I’ll show videos, pictures, and explain how we test the nerves in surgery. My wife and staff probably say I talk too much.

Why do I do this? Because it’s my mission! I know knowledge is power, and once you step out of one of our offices you return to the world that is not as informed. A world, in my way of thinking, that is 30 to 40 years behind the medical knowledge of the nerves in the foot and leg versus the hands and arms. In time that will change. But for now, I’ve found how important it is to educate you, and for me this was a sweet story to share. It’s the story of an astute patient with a scientific mind who truly grasped the concepts we work with. She stirred up the status quo opinion of her cardiologist, and maybe stimulated yet more curiosity.

I guess in this patient’s own little way she offered a challenge. A challenge that my colleagues and I use when met with resistance to our concepts: prove me wrong!

Leg Cramps: A New Potential Cause

Posted on September 13, 2016 by admin

Leg cramps are extremely frustrating. Many of you have been woken up suddenly by the feeling of a giant knot forming in your calf muscle and you try to stretch it before it has a chance to get knotted up. It’s discouraging, exhausting, and often painful, but now there are new ways to treat leg cramps!

Many of you live with these nightly leg cramps. These more serious cramps are even more frustrating in terms of their frequency and ability to affect your sleep. You may even need to get up and walk around to relieve the symptoms, or perhaps you’ve tried other kinds of remedies: you may have been told you need more calcium, more potassium, and more magnesium. Maybe you’ve heard, “It’s your circulation,” and some of you may resort to drugs such as muscle relaxants, Lyrica, and Neurontin that are used for neuropathy. You may even take tranquilizers to get to sleep!

Four years ago another solution to this problem was found. At Anderson Podiatry Center (and a select few other centers around the country) we do nerve decompression procedures in the foot and lower leg to release pressure on tight nerve tunnels that are damaging your nerves, thus relieving symptoms. Four years ago a fifth tunnel compression that can also create damage to nerves was found. This tunnel, when compressed, can be the cause the severe leg cramps so many people suffer from.

It’s called the soleal sling tunnel and it resides deep inside your larger calf muscle. A fibrous band that lays close to the tunnel can cause pressure against the main nerve that goes to the bottom of your foot. When that tight band is released surgically, many patients get relief from severe leg cramps.

Cramping may not be the only symptom for these patients. Many will have numbness, burning, tingling, and weakness associated with damage to the nerve. A 20 minute procedure can have patients walking the next day, and many find symptom relief within days. Though not for everyone it is an exciting new treatment option now available for many that suffer from this aggravating and even debilitating problem.

Some of you may be at your wits end with the fatigue and stress that you experience when these severe chronic night-time cramps never seem to go away. Don’t forget the drugs you may be taking are not fixing it, although they may help. Please take into account the nerve tunnel procedure for soleal sling next time you’re considering your next step to get rid of the cramps, and get your sleep and life back!

Fact vs. Fiction: Neuropathy

Posted on August 23, 2016July 1, 2025 by admin

Neuropathy is a frustrating, debilitating, painful, and, most discouragingly, a confusing disease. If you or someone you know has neuropathy, chances are they have really struggled with finding accurate knowledge on the subject, and with all the information out there it can be overwhelming deciphering what’s true from what isn’t.

Though neuropathy is a fairly common disease, it is not widely known about. One of the first struggles with neuropathy is getting it properly diagnosed. Also, there are so many thoughts and opinions on neuropathy that you may hear conflicting or even false information. As doctors who specialize in neuropathy and treatments for it, we have compiled a helpful list of fact versus fiction to finally help you better understand your neuropathy.

Neuropathy Facts:

There are a wide variety of symptoms, and not everyone experiences them all.
- The most common symptoms include: muscle weakness, twitching, tingling, loss of balance, numbness, burning, prickling sensations, and/or nerve pain in your legs or feet, and symptoms can vary from one foot to the other.

Neuropathy is progressive.
- This is one of the most important facts to know! Neuropathy will get worse over time, so if you have symptoms do not delay treatment. Some patients wait until their symptoms are more severe before seeking treatment, which can reduce the chance to reverse or alleviate them.

Neuropathy is a fancy word for nerve damage.
- Though it may sound simple, this is exactly what neuropathy is. It’s the disease or dysfunction of one or more peripheral nerves.

There are treatments that can reverse neuropathy symptoms.
- Though many don’t realize this, there are treatment options that have had huge success in reversing, or at the very least improving some people’s neuropathy. These treatments include:
  - MLS Laser Therapy– helps to reduce pain and inflammation and improve nerve function.
  - Electrical Nerve Stimulation (ESTIM)– helps to decrease chronic nerve pain, often done in conjunction with nerve blocks.
  - Nutritional counseling– when done in tangent with MLS and/or ESTIM can help reverse symptoms.
  - Nerve decompressing surgery– opens up the tight nerve tunnel to allow the nerve to function properly, is a viable option for the majority of patients, and offers the very real hope of reversing neuropathy’s effects, allowing you to move with little to no pain or instability.

Neuropathy Fiction:

Neuropathy only affects diabetics.
- Although neuropathy is common in people with diabetes, it is a misconception that it only affects those with it. It can have many other causes including injury, infections, alcoholism, and even certain cancers. There are also unknown (idiopathic) causes

If the pain subsides or goes away, you are getting better.
- False! This is a very dangerous fallacy. When symptoms seem to be getting better they are often actually getting worse, because the later stages of neuropathy can cause numbness making you not feel the pain that is actually there.

I will always have to be on medication.
- Though medications are commonly the first step in treating neuropathy, they typically come with unwanted side effects or are ineffective. What people don’t understand is that by seeking other treatments options like the ones listed above, you can reduce or even get off your medication.

Any doctor can help treat neuropathy.
- Although most doctors know what neuropathy is, they are not all equal in understanding or treating it. Our doctors at Anderson Podiatry Center are members of the Association of Extremity Nerve Surgeons. These national and international physician and PHD members receive specialty training and have a minimum two years’ experience in diagnosing and treating neuropathy. AENS members are committed to disseminating current effective treatment knowledge, and to ongoing research that supports the treatment of extremity nerve disease.

These are just some of the basic misunderstandings on neuropathy. If you suffer from neuropathy come see us today so you can finally get the help you deserve!

Nerve Monitoring in Surgery: Improvements and Results

Posted on August 16, 2016 by admin

nerve pain

I recently was paid a visit by two scientists from the Medtronics medical device company. They came to our office and surgery center to help expand the way I evaluate and monitor improvement of nerve function during the nerve surgeries I do. It was a messy process and frustrating at first, but by the end of the day, and at the end of the week the entire team had a much greater regard for how this was providing better service to patients, and how useful the information we were gathering will be to share with patients suffering from neuropathy and restless legs.

So, what’s all the fuss about nerve monitoring anyway?

What is nerve monitoring?

Intraoperative nerve monitoring is an invaluable technique employed during surgery to gauge the surgery’s impact on the affected nerve in real-time. This sophisticated method involves the placement of small needle electrodes within the target muscle area. These electrodes effectively capture and measure the signals transmitted by the nerve when it is stimulated during the surgical procedure. This allows us to obtain precise baseline readings before the nerve is decompressed or released.

One of the significant advantages of intraoperative nerve monitoring is that it provides the surgeon with immediate feedback regarding the progress of the procedure. By continuously assessing the nerve’s signals during surgery, the surgeon can make real-time adjustments and fine-tune the decompression process. This dynamic approach ensures that the desired outcome, such as relieving nerve compression, is achieved effectively and efficiently. It also enhances the overall safety and success of the surgical intervention.

Why is this important to you, the patient?

Sometimes we are so close to what we do we forget the uniqueness of it, so that’s why I’m writing this blog. Because we do this with every nerve case we perform, we have amassed more experience and data over the past several years than anywhere in the world. We are also the primary center for improving the concept. No other surgery center, hospital, etc. does what we do. Because of this we feel we can better optimize the patient’s outcome.

Value based medicine: the new buzz word. But what is it?

As healthcare progresses in our society this term has increased in importance. It refers to employing evidence-based medicine and proven treatments in determining the best outcomes for patients. When it comes to the nerve procedures we do, there is no other place that does the volume of work we do for as long as we’ve done it by recording our results before the patient leaves the operating room.

Strong statement? Maybe a little, but we also understand the importance of value based medicine, and believe it’s important to demonstrate to the consumer the effectiveness of a given treatment or procedure so the patient can make the best decisions about their care.

So, why use nerve monitoring?

Aside from the above, we have a sincere respect for the nerves of the foot and leg-weird as that may seem. Nerve monitoring has long been used during procedures in the back, face, or neck; it’s about time and lower extremity got the same due!

Neuropathy is our passion, and developing procedures, and testing outcomes is important to further the availability of treatments that actually help people who suffer from this debilitating disease.

At Anderson Podiatry Center, neuropathy is more than just a medical condition; it’s our calling and our passion. Our unwavering commitment to improving the lives of those suffering from this debilitating disease drives us to continually advance our knowledge and treatment options. We firmly believe that developing innovative procedures and rigorously testing their outcomes are essential steps toward expanding the availability of effective neuropathy treatments.

One of our groundbreaking contributions to the field of neuropathy treatment is our pioneering work in nerve monitoring within the lower extremities. This cutting-edge technique has enabled us to push the boundaries of what’s possible in neuropathy care. By meticulously monitoring nerve activity during procedures, we can make real-time adjustments and tailor treatments to the specific needs of each patient.

We invite you to connect with us today to explore the remarkable advancements we’ve made in the realm of neuropathy management. Our dedicated team is eager to share our expertise and insights, ensuring that you receive the most innovative and effective solutions for your neuropathy-related challenges. We are genuinely here to make a meaningful difference in your life and provide the relief you deserve. Together, we can combat neuropathy and work toward a brighter, pain-free future.

nerve monitoring in the lower extremity

3 Essential Books for Understanding and Living with Neuropathy

Posted on August 2, 2016July 1, 2025 by admin

Your legs and feet are one of the most important parts of our body; they carry you everywhere you go. So, naturally, leg and feet issues can greatly disrupt your daily life. This is sadly the case for the many people who suffer from neuropathy– or nerve pain. Neuropathy is painful, frustrating, and debilitating, and with all the information out there it can be overwhelming finding good, accurate sources of information, but it doesn’t have to be.

First of all, you might have neuropathy and not even know it. Some symptoms to look for with neuropathy include muscle weakness, twitching, tingling, burning, loss of balance, numbness, prickling sensations, and/or nerve pain in your legs or feet. Neuropathy can be caused by diabetes, injury, infections, certain cancers, and alcohol, and it is progressive and will worsen over time.

To help you correctly live with and understand your neuropathy we have found three essential books to read:

Sugar Crush: How to Reduce Inflammation, Reverse Nerve Damage, and Reclaim Good Health– by Richard Jacoby, DPM

Even though this book is not solely on neuropathy, it is still an excellent resource for those who suffer from it. Sugar Crush was written by a leading peripheral nerve surgeon. In it he explains why sugar and carbohydrates are harmful to the body’s nerves, and how eliminating them may help mitigate or even reverse nerve damage.

He goes on to describe how a diet high in sugar, processed carbohydrates, and wheat compresses and damages the peripheral nerves of the body. This leads to pain, numbness, and tinging in hands and feet. Sound familiar? These are the same symptoms as neuropathy, which is why this book is a great resource for you!

Coping with Peripheral Neuropathy: How to handle stress, disability, anxiety, fatigue, depression, pain, and relationships– by Scott Berman, MD CIDP

Unfortunately, living with chronic pain and a debilitating disease affects much more than just your physical body. It affects your emotions, causes other problems such as anxiety and depression, and often affects those around you as well.

However, keep in mind that although this book may help you cope with the chronic pain you currently live with, you might not always have to. Just as Sugar Crush discusses, there are possible treatments that may reverse neuropathy symptoms and help stop chronic pain.

Mindfulness Meditation for Pain Relief: Guided Practices for Reclaiming Your Body and Your Life– by Jon Kabat-Zinn

Those who suffer from neuropathy often complain of chronic pain as well. If you live a life shaped by pain, you understand the physical and emotional sufferings that usually accompany it. In this book you can learn how to rely on meditation, rather than solely medication, to ease your pain. Often neuropathy patients complain about all the medications they have to take that don’t always work, and almost always come with unwanted side effects. Here is a great alternative.

According to customer reviews, this book offers meditation techniques for beginners, so anyone can use it and find relief, while also discovering new freedom and improved quality of life. However, same with the above book mentioned, remember that there are treatments for neuropathy that have been able to reverse symptoms for many patients, enabling them to live pain free.

These books are very helpful for living with neuropathy, but they are not your only source of information. Speak to a podiatrist to learn all about your disease, and more importantly how you may be able to reverse your symptoms with promising treatment options.

Restless Leg Syndrome: Finally, a New Option to Help You and Your Partner Sleep Better- Part 2

Posted on June 14, 2016July 1, 2025 by admin

As discussed in the previous blog post, RLS can be extremely difficult to live with, especially with the limited treatments available. However, there is hope with nerve decompression treatments. Keep reading to find out more about this revolutionary treatment, and how it can help you!

Dr. James Anderson, the founder of Anderson Podiatry Center, explains, “Over the past several years it has been discovered that the source of your RLS symptoms might be in the very place where the symptoms are: your legs. There are two, maybe three nerve tunnels, in your legs that are causing RLS in many cases.”

Again, the treatments discussed in part one of the post may offer short term relief for RLS symptoms, but they are not an actual solution, and the medications often have bad side effects. Anderson Podiatry Center for Nerve Pain, however, offers nerve decompression treatments, which may give long-lasting relief by treating what they believe the underlying cause of RLS is, not just the symptoms.

Their nerve decompression treatment is extremely successful, with 80-90% of patients getting better. It’s so successful, in fact, that they are submitting for publication what they consider to be the first study on RLS and nerve decompression treatment.

Dr. Anderson explains how they’ve put nerve decompression to the test statistically by studying 40 patients who went through a rigorous trial of before and after treatment. The results were very promising with high success rates.

Dr. Anderson perfectly sums up exactly why nerve decompression treatments may be the best solution to RLS. He says, “People do all this stuff- not sleeping, they take drugs, they just keep suffering- and they can have a relatively simple surgery in 40 minutes and it’s done! Typically, they walk out of surgery, and have relief in just a few days.”

What’s worse is the enormous lack of sleep mixed with having to take drugs can have a huge effect on your general health. Because of this, many people with RLS also suffer from weight gain, depression, and a huge decrease in activity level.

Don’t let RLS control your- or your partner’s- sleep anymore. Get help, and get back to your old self again!

Tag: nerve decompression