New surgery to alleviate pain due to diabetic neuropathy now being studied
July 11, 2008 by Kendra James, RN
Filed under Diseases & Conditions
Specialists in diabetes, neurology, pain management and rehabilitation have begun a ground breaking study of peripheral nerve surgery to help patients with long-standing pain and numbness in patients with diabetic neuropathy.
About one-third of patients with diabetic neuropathy have overlying compression of certain nerves in the leg that may worsen the pain and cause loss of sensation at the bottom of the foot. Several studies have demonstrated that the nerves may increase in diameter in diabetic patients. In this study, UT Southwestern investigators are hoping to show that by releasing pressure from the specific nerves of these patients, pain may be decreased and sensation improved.
Similar to carpal tunnel surgery- this surgery would alleviate the pressure on the inflamed nerve area and decrease the pain and suffering that these patients have to live with on a daily basis. The scientists and doctors leading the study are hopeful that they will be able to restore the protective sensation thus decreasing the risk for cuts, ulcers and ultimately amputations.
via Southwestern Medical Center
