Welcome to Anderson Podiatry Center!
We’re excited to meet you and partner with you on your journey back to full health—whether that means returning to work, enjoying life, or getting back to the activities you love.
Your Visit to APC
Our friendly and knowledgeable office team is here to answer any questions you have about foot and ankle conditions, as well as chronic pain affecting your body. To ensure your first visit goes smoothly, please review the information below.
Convenient Locations
Anderson Podiatry Center serves you from four easily accessible locations, including Fort Collins and Broomfield, Colorado. Click here for maps and directions.
New Patient Forms
Please arrive 15 minutes early for your first appointment to complete necessary paperwork.
Additional forms, such as the Medical Records Release Form, should only be completed if directed by our staff. You can download and print these forms ahead of time to bring with you.
Insurance and Payments
We accept most insurance plans—including Medicare, Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield, and many government programs—and will verify your benefits before your appointment.
We also accept checks and major credit cards, with financing options available through CareCredit to help make your care affordable.
We look forward to helping you thrive with expert foot care and personalized support every step of the way.
Do you think you or someone you love might have neuropathy? Perhaps you’ve just been diagnosed with it and you are looking for answers.
You’ve come to the right place. Today, we are going to talk about neuropathy symptoms, locations, and causes of neuropathy. In Part 2 of this blog, we will talk specifically about treatment options, and share stories of patients who have found hope and relief from their symptoms. Let’s get started.
What are the symptoms?
Patients with neuropathy will usually experience:
Pain
Burning
Tingling
Numbness
Weakness
These symptoms don’t all need to be present. One person may have a lot of numbness and slight amounts of burning, while another may have numbness and weakness, but no tingling.
So the combination of these symptoms, and the amounts of different symptoms are widely varied. The symptoms may be periodic in the beginning, and then eventually occur 24 hours a day. They may be barely noticeable during the day, but then haunt you by at night by keeping you awake.
The symptoms may have been very mild for many years with very slow progression. Or, you may be experiencing a rapid progression of symptoms getting worse very quickly.
Where do the symptoms occur?
This is one of the most important things to consider. Many times, I have seen patients who think they are getting neuropathy because they have numbness in one or two toes. Or, maybe it’s in a small area on the side of the foot.
A small location is not common with neuropathy symptoms. To qualify as true neuropathy, symptoms need to be found in a larger area. For example, the entire bottom or top of the foot. Or, in many cases, the top and bottom of the foot, including all the toes.
Symptoms may not be shared equally in both feet and legs. It can occur more in the lower legs than in the feet. In medical school, we were taught that neuropathy occurs in both feet equally. But, I will tell you from years of experience treating patients, this is not what I have seen day to day. What I have seen consistently, is that the symptoms are typically located in larger areas of the foot and leg, usually below the knee.
What causes neuropathy?
Diabetes may be a potential cause of neuropathy, and many people assume that you have to have diabetes to get neuropathy. This is not true. Although a high percentage of patients with diabetes do get neuropathy, we see many who do not have diabetes. Some patients have neuropathy that may have been caused by alcoholism or chemotherapy, and as a result, the nerves have become damaged. Whatever the cause, the locations and symptoms still apply.
Lastly, don’t be confused by the big words thrown around to diagnose neuropathy. You may have heard “peripheral idiopathic polyneuropathy.” Big words yes, but let’s break it down. “Peripheral” means that your symptoms are in the periphery, which means away from the midportion or trunk of your body. “Idiopathic” means from unknown cause. And finally, “polyneuropathy” means in multiple locations. So very simply, this term means that you have neuropathy symptoms away from your midsection, in multiple locations, and they don’t know what caused it.
Neuropathy can be very frustrating and debilitating. I see patients every day who are looking for answers, and the good news is that we can help!
Stay tuned for Part 2 of this series to learn about treatment, and hear stories of hope.
To learn more about how we treat neuropathy, click here.
In this stage, the patient is experiencing symptoms of neuropathy, but they are still very mild.
Stage 2-4
Many patients will experience the most pain here, along with the burning and tingling and it can become very hard to sleep. This is also where people typically begin taking neuropathy medication.
Stage 5
At this point, the neuropathy has usually progressed to where the patient’s feet are numb and very weak. They aren’t in pain, but often have trouble standing or walking and don’t have the strength that they used to have. If the patient is diabetic, the risk of amputation goes up here, because the nerves are often dead.
The good news is that patients have an opportunity to decrease the risk of getting to stage 5 and also of amputation. During the middle stages, the nerves are still very much alive and that’s where nerve decompression surgery plays a very important role in the patient’s treatment. Many ask, can you reverse neuropathy? We can go in and open up these nerve tunnels that are being compressed and many times, we can reverse the symptoms of neuropathy in feet, neuropathy in legs, and restless legs, which drastically improves the patient’s quality of life.
In this video, Dr. Anderson discusses the five neuropathy stages, the symptoms that can occur at each stage, and treatment options that are available throughout the journey.
For many people diagnosed with restless leg syndrome or neuropathy, weight gain can be an unwanted side effect of the medications that are typically prescribed.
Weight gain can cause while treating neuropathy:
Increased blood pressure: Carrying extra weight puts more strain on your heart, causing it to work harder to pump blood, which can lead to higher blood pressure. Over time, this can damage your arteries, increasing the risk of heart disease and stroke.
Risk of developing diabetes: Excess weight, particularly around the abdomen, is a major risk factor for type 2 diabetes. Weight gain can lead to insulin resistance, where your body’s cells do not respond properly to insulin, causing blood sugar levels to rise.
Added stress on your feet: Your feet bear the weight of your entire body, and additional pounds can exacerbate foot pain and contribute to conditions such as plantar fasciitis and arthritis. For those already experiencing neuropathy, this added stress can worsen symptoms like pain and numbness.
Poor nerve function: Obesity can lead to metabolic and inflammatory changes that negatively impact nerve health. This can slow nerve function and worsen the symptoms of neuropathy, making it more difficult to manage.
Increased risk of developing cancer (and other diseases linked to obesity): Being overweight or obese is associated with a higher risk of several types of cancer, including breast, colon, and prostate cancer. Obesity can also increase the likelihood of developing conditions such as fatty liver disease, gallbladder disease, and sleep apnea.
In this video, Dr. Anderson talks about the dangerous potential of weight gain and how this can negatively affect your overall health.
Alternative Treatment Options for Neuropathy:
If you are experiencing these symptoms, there is hope. Many of our patients come to us with a desire to get off of their medications and explore other treatment options for neuropathy and restless leg syndrome. Here are some alternatives that may be beneficial:
Lifestyle Changes: Incorporating regular exercise, maintaining a healthy diet, and losing weight can significantly reduce symptoms. Exercise can improve circulation and nerve health, while a balanced diet can provide essential nutrients for nerve repair and maintenance.
Physical Therapy: Tailored exercises and physical therapy can help improve strength, balance, and flexibility, which can reduce symptoms and improve overall quality of life.
Supplements and Vitamins: Certain vitamins and supplements, such as B vitamins, alpha-lipoic acid, and omega-3 fatty acids, have been shown to support nerve health and reduce symptoms of neuropathy.
Alternative Therapies: Acupuncture, massage therapy, and chiropractic care are alternative treatments that some patients find beneficial in managing their symptoms without the side effects of medication.
Innovative Treatments: Advances in medical technology have led to new treatments such as electrical nerve stimulation and laser therapy, which can provide relief for some patients.
By addressing weight gain and exploring alternative treatments, it is possible to manage neuropathy and restless leg syndrome more effectively and improve your overall health and well-being.
If you are experiencing these symptoms, there is hope. Many of our patients come to us with a desire to get off of their medications and explore other treatment options for neuropathy and restless leg syndrome. To learn more about these options for peripheral neuropathy click here.
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, 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!
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.
I’ve been a member, including past president and board member, of the Association of Extremity Nerve Surgeons for a long time. I routinely attend meetings and lectures and train nerve surgeons, and I recently attended their annual meeting. These meetings are important to me, but they are also important to some of you and people that you know, because some of the research we do provides us with new information that helps people with diabetic foot problems, including the risk of amputation.
Many diabetics suffer from neuropathy. They struggle with the typical diabetic symptoms as well as the burning, tingling, numbness and pain also associated with this disease, which leads to an increased risk of amputation.
What if you or someone that you know with diabetic neuropathy could reduce or eliminate the symptoms? What if something could be done to restore more normal nerve function? The risk of amputation in diabetics would be greatly reduced.
At the meeting I attended an important thing happened: two new studies regarding diabetics and neuropathy were discussed. One of the two studies was one that I have recently completed, and the other study was completed by Dr. Zhang from Shanghai, China.
Dr. Zhang’s study showed an improvement in lower extremity nerve function for patients he had performed surgical decompression surgery on (opening of the nerve tunnels), which is similar to carpal tunnel surgery done in the hand. His EMG studies showed improvement of the patients nerve function that lasted months and even years after having the procedure performed.
My study showed intraoperative improvement via EMG in nerve function within minutes of opening these nerve tunnels. This explains why many patients have immediate dramatic improvements in their symptoms, and can even feel their feet again.
The data from both studies demonstrates how quickly nerves can repair and that the effects are long term. These study results are supported clinically by other surgeons who also perform these procedures, and it supports what our patients are saying as well.
It is our desire to change the narrative, to change the thought of conventional medicine. Between our two studies we have a good scientific foundation that proves how much diabetic patients can be helped.
So next time you’re thinking about treatments for diabetic neuropathy for yourself or someone you know, ask yourself this question: are drugs, with their unwanted and often dangerous side effects, the best answer?
We continue to do surgical decompression surgery for patients suffering from diabetic and non-diabetic neuropathy. We have a large volume of scientific data that shows improvement in various nerves after surgery. So next time you or anyone you know says there’s nothing that can be done, or you hear the Lyrica ads on TV or are considering using Neurontin to help with your neuropathy pain, remember these studies. The real hope of relief from neuropathy pain and numbness is now clinically supported and available to help those in need. We are truly on the forefront of a treatment shift in dealing with this debilitating disease.
Our study will be published shortly and I will be sure to highlight the results with you. I enjoyed meeting and sharing our research with a surgeon so far away who is also trying to help to change how medicine treats such a dreaded problem. We hope to collaborate and present our findings more in the future, both here and in China and other parts of the world.
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!
So, you’ve been told you’re a diabetic, and the first thing that enters your mind is the possibility of an amputation. Wow, a scary thought! I want to show you how this can happen. As a diabeticyou need to hear this, to arm yourself with knowledge. I’m alarmed at how few people truly understand how the process leading to amputation gets started. In some situations it may not be as much of a worry as it should be, and in others it may be far greater than it needs to be.
So here we go! Here are three basic principles that set a foot up for an amputation:
Foot structure
Any type of foot deformity that would create a greater probability of a skin irritation can be problematic. Examples of this would be a bunion. This is that prominence by the big toe joint that you’ll notice when the big toe starts to drift towards the second toe. That bone that protrudes can make it a potential for skin irritation.
A hammertoe would be another example. In this situation the toe is bent so that the knuckle on the top of the toe may rub against shoe gear or the tip may develop a sore, as you tend to walk on the tip and not on the fatty pulp that lies on the opposite side of the toenail. Any of these types of abnormalities should be addressed by appropriate shoe gear or, in some cases, by corrective surgery.
Blood flow
You have probably heard that because of lack of blood flow diabetics have amputations. In my practice experience this appears overrated. Many diabetics have adequate blood flow for healing. I think it’s important if you’re diabetic to really have a thorough exam so you know specifically how you rate. This is a perfect situation of one size doesn’t fit all.
But, obviously, if circulation is an issue then healing of any type of sore or cut may become an issue. One of the worse things you can do is smoke. Obviously the smoking habit has a detrimental effect on circulation, but when you combine it with diabetes, the risk goes up by a factor of at least three times.
Neuropathy
This is what I consider the most dangerous factor: the health of your nerves. Neuropathy will occur in 50-70 percent of diabetics, but how severe it may become varies. Patients may feel a burning tingling and numbness in the feet and legs. The danger, however, is present when more numbness is present. It’s the inability to feel that is dangerous. The good news is that we can help restore the feeling with surgical decompression of selective nerve tunnels using laser and CETS technology to revitalize your nerves. Please refer to our website videos for more information.
Consider this the triad of things to ponder when you’re told you are diabetic and you’re worried about that dreaded word: amputation. The purpose of this blog was not to scare you, but rather give you some peace of mind. You may have more control than you realize, and you need to carefully consider each of these three areas.
First, a few questions you will need to consider are: if you have a deformity does it have to be corrected to reduce risk of amputation in the future, or are there conservative things that may be done? Or, if you have poor blood flow what are steps you can do, and what can a doctor do to help?
Next, if you smoke consider quitting.
Finally, the subject of neuropathy, which to me is most promising! We have surgical and non- surgical options that are backed up with objective research to measure improvement of nerve function. What I consider the most dangerous of the three has the greatest opportunity for help.
So, arming you with knowledge should empower you to consider these factors, and help you to understand you may have more options to avoid amputation.
I hope you better understand that there is more hope than ever for you to do something to preserve those precious feet.
I’d like to take a few moments to explain our philosophy at our foot nerve pain treatment center. Many of you know generally what a podiatrist does. We work on feet and ankles. But why a center for nerve pain? Why would you come to us for this?
At Anderson Podiatry Center, our approach to patient care focuses on addressing the root cause of your issues, not just alleviating the symptoms. Whether you’re dealing with restless legs, neuropathy, or chronic nerve pain resulting from trauma, we are committed to providing effective and lasting solutions for your nerve-related problems. By identifying and treating the underlying causes, we aim to not only relieve your immediate discomfort but also offer you the opportunity for long-term resolution. Our dedicated team of specialists works tirelessly to reverse the symptoms you’re experiencing and enhance your overall quality of life, ensuring that you can enjoy improved health and mobility. With our patient-centered approach, you can trust us to deliver comprehensive care that prioritizes your well-being and helps you achieve a better, pain-free future.
Patients can be divided into two groups based upon their current belief systems, or what they have been told about their neuropathy. These beliefs are very important to take the time to consider.
The belief or of those who don’t come to our foot nerve pain treatment center are:
that the nerve symptoms below your knee probably originate from your back, so we can’t help you.
that the drugs you’re taking are helping your nerves and you’re fine with continuing down that pathway, so we can’t help you.
that it’s good enough to allow the drugs to mute your symptoms and you aren’t worried what this could progress to, so you won’t need our help.
that your nerves are just diseased from the diabetes, restless legs, or chemotherapy, and that’s just the way it is.
If you do have these belief, I’m sorry but we will be of no help. But I urge you to challenge these beliefs or what you may have been told.
Who does come to us? People who believe there’s got to be a better way. People who don’t like to take no for an answer when it comes to improving their nerve health and general wellbeing. We attract people to the center who most fit our beliefs. Some travel a great distance from many states away to hear what we have to say.
The belief of those who do come to our Nerve Pain Center follow the same beliefs as we do; they don’t simply accept their condition, but they question:
Why do I have to be on drugs?
Why am I being told it’s because of my back?
Why am I told I just have to live with it?
Why am I told its not reversible?
Many of the people who find us feel more secure to know that we have a research team that tracks our outcomes. To disrupt and revise the standard way you’ve been treated and to back our outcomes with research is who we are, it is our mission and purpose!
Please check our website to learn more about our alternatives to these common beliefs about neuropathy. You may be very glad you did. Some of the topics that we have explained in fine detail are:
So in summary, I have one more question: what do you BELIEVE?
Find the answers you are looking for, by a call, email or chat. With our own foot nerve pain treatment center, we are one of the highest rated foot and ankle clinics in the tri-state area of Colorado, Wyoming and Cheyenne. International patients have also trusted us to find a cure and management path to a better way of live. Two convenient locations in Fort Collins and Broomfield.
“My Wednesday starts early as it’s my surgery day. Surgeries begin at 7 am and may end at 5 pm on a busy day. So, today being Wednesday saw me out the door grabbing a handful of nuts and blueberries for my breakfast. I grabbed some coffee with butter and cinnamon, a daily habit of mine, and started my day.
My first patient had traveled all the way from eastern Nebraska, and as with most of my patients this day was a nerve surgery case. He was a very nice Nebraska farmer with diabetes suffering from severe neuropathy. I had six surgeries with only a five-minute break between surgeries to celebrate Rhonda’s birthday (Rhonda has been our recovery room nurse for 10 years and she is absolutely the best! Patients and staff love her.)
So, after opening her card and getting a box with her favorite perfume, it was back to work. Another staff member, Jeanne, was excited to hear that she would be acknowledged in a research paper getting published on the intraoperative nerve monitoring we do. She helps set up the monitoring equipment and assists me in surgery.
The highlight of the day
was the last case. A 14-year-old from Nebraska who had been in a bad car accident 2 years ago. She had severe nerve pain in her foot and weakness, drop foot, in her leg as it was trapped beneath the seat of the car in a rollover accident. After seeing multiple doctors, they had almost given up hope until they learned about what we do. The nerve monitoring we did in surgery to see how well we improved the function of the nerves that had been damaged in the accident were showing us amazing improvement of nerve function! I’m very optimistic for her, and feel confident she and her mom can avoid a life of medication for her chronic pain condition, which is the goal they had.
I did end my day a little later than I had thought I would. I was expecting to catch up on things, but only had time to meet with my two research assistants. We recently submitted a paper for publication on restless legs, and reviewed three more studies that we will be starting on. They are young and bright and are a huge asset to me. It’s a real challenge to see patients, run a business, and then do research, so I am blessed to have them.
Lastly, I joined in late on a conference call with our CEO Eric, and my wife, COO Adriann, in regards to new opportunities for our surgery center.
Finally, out of the office by 6:15; that’s early! I even had time at home to watch some TV, answer emails, and jump on the elliptical machine. Oh, yes, and wash some clothes. That’s my day!”
We are proud of what we do and the doctors we represent! Contact us today to talk to any of our doctors one-on-one!
eople that you know, because some of the research we do provides us with new information that helps people with 
hy. I had six surgeries with only a five-minute break between surgeries to celebrate Rhonda’s birthday (Rhonda has been our recovery room nurse for 10 years and she is absolutely the best! Patients and staff love her.)