You’re walking down the street, enjoying a sunny afternoon, when suddenly, a sharp, burning sensation shoots through your feet. Or perhaps you’re trying to sleep, but the tingling in your legs keeps you awake, tossing and turning. For millions of people, this isn’t just an occasional annoyance; it’s a daily reality known as peripheral neuropathy.
Neuropathy often feels like an invisible barrier between you and the life you want to live. Simple tasks like walking the dog, driving, or even standing in line at the grocery store can become agonizing tests of endurance. While it starts as a whisper—a little numbness here, a slight tingle there—it can quickly escalate into a debilitating condition that affects your mobility, independence, and overall happiness.
But living with neuropathy doesn't mean you have to accept pain as your new normal. At Bonesetters, we believe that understanding the root cause of your discomfort is the first step toward lasting relief. Let’s explore what treatment of neuropathy in legs and feet actually is, why it happens, and how a holistic approach to care can help you get back on your feet.
Peripheral neuropathy occurs when the nerves outside of the brain and spinal cord—the peripheral nerves—are damaged. These nerves are responsible for sending information from your brain and spinal cord to the rest of your body, and back again. When they malfunction, it’s like a telephone line with static; the messages get garbled, lost, or amplified in the wrong way.
The causes of this damage are as varied as the patients we see.
The most common cause of neuropathy in the United States is diabetes. Over time, high blood sugar levels can damage the delicate fibers of your nerves, particularly in the legs and feet. This is often referred to as diabetic neuropathy.
Car accidents, sports injuries, or falls can sever or damage peripheral nerves. Even repetitive stress—like typing for hours or performing the same motion on an assembly line—can compress nerves, leading to neuropathy.
Certain viral or bacterial infections, such as Lyme disease, Shingles, or Hepatitis C, can attack nerve tissues. Additionally, autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis or lupus can cause the immune system to target the body's own nerves.
Vitamin deficiencies, particularly B vitamins, can impair nerve health, while excessive alcohol consumption may lead to chronic nerve damage. Additionally, exposure to environmental toxins, including heavy metals or industrial chemicals, can significantly harm the peripheral nervous system.
Treatment for Neuropathy in Legs and Feet
Neuropathy is a shapeshifter. Its symptoms can come and go, progress slowly over years, or onset rapidly. For the legs and feet, the symptoms generally fall into three categories: sensory, motor, and autonomic.
This is what sends most patients to the doctor.
When the nerves that control muscle movement are affected, you may experience:
Without intervention, these symptoms rarely remain static. Mild tingling in the toes often progresses upward, following a "stocking-glove" pattern that can reach the knees. Over time, this may result in irreversible muscle wasting, weakness, and permanent loss of mobility, significantly impacting quality of life and necessitating early medical intervention.
When you visit a general practitioner for neuropathy, the focus is often on symptom management rather than addressing the root cause.
Doctors often prescribe medications to help manage neuropathy symptoms and reduce discomfort. Pain relievers, such as over-the-counter analgesics, are commonly recommended for mild cases. For more severe pain, anti-seizure medications like Gabapentin or Pregabalin may be used. Antidepressants can also interfere with pain signals, providing additional relief to patients.
Physical therapy is an essential component of treatment for neuropathy, especially for individuals experiencing muscle weakness or balance issues. Exercises focus on strengthening muscles, enhancing coordination, and improving range of motion. This approach not only restores physical function but also reduces the risk of falls, which are a serious concern for neuropathy sufferers.
When neuropathy results from physical compression of nerves, such as by tumors, cysts, or herniated discs, surgery may offer significant relief. The procedure aims to remove the source of pressure, which can restore nerve function and alleviate symptoms. Surgery is typically considered a last resort, reserved for cases unresponsive to other treatments.
While these treatments have their place, they often come with limitations. Medications can cause drowsiness, dizziness, and other side effects, and they typically mask the pain rather than healing the damaged nerves. Surgery involves significant recovery time and risks. This is why many patients seek alternative, non-invasive solutions.
Neuropathy Treatment Legs and Feet
At Bonesetters, we take a different approach. We view the body as an interconnected system. If your spine is misaligned, it can exert pressure on the nervous system, interrupting the flow of communication between your brain and your body.
Chiropractic care for neuropathy isn't just about "cracking backs." It is a targeted therapy designed to restore proper nerve function.
Misalignments in the spine (subluxations) can restrict blood flow and compress nerves. Gentle, precise adjustments help realign the spine, relieving this pressure. When pressure is removed, blood circulation improves, delivering vital oxygen and nutrients to damaged nerves, which is essential for repair.
Dr. Hayes utilizes a variety of techniques tailored to the severity of your condition. This may include:
By treating the whole body rather than just the symptoms, chiropractic care aims to help the body heal itself naturally.
You cannot heal in the same environment that made you sick. At Bonesetters, we believe that true recovery requires a partnership between the doctor and the patient. While we handle the clinical side, there are vital changes you can make at home to support your nerve health.
What you eat fuels your nervous system. High blood sugar is toxic to nerves, so for diabetic and non-diabetic patients alike, controlling glucose is paramount.
When your feet hurt, the last thing you want to do is move. However, safe, low-impact exercise is crucial. Walking, swimming, or stationary cycling increases heart rate and pumps blood to the extremities without placing undue stress on the joints. Exercise also releases natural endorphins, which are the body's painkillers.
Chronic stress keeps the body in a "fight or flight" mode, which increases inflammation and heightens pain sensitivity. Techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, or even gentle yoga can switch the nervous system into a "rest and repair" state.
Legs and Feet Neuropathy Treatment
At Bonesetters, we believe in a holistic approach to neuropathy care. Dr. Hayes and our team focus on understanding your unique experience, crafting personalized plans to address your specific symptoms and goals. By blending cutting-edge chiropractic methods with empathy and dedication, we strive to ensure that your care is as individualized as your story.
We take pride in creating treatment strategies that prioritize reducing pain without relying on invasive surgeries or heavy narcotics. Our methods are designed to support your overall well-being, helping you regain function and improve your quality of life. Listening to your needs and concerns is central to developing a path toward recovery.
Our ultimate aim goes beyond managing symptoms—it’s about restoring your ability to thrive. Whether it’s walking your daughter down the aisle, chasing after your grandkids, or relishing a peaceful moment outdoors, Bonesetters is here to help you reclaim those priceless moments and move toward a life of relief and freedom.
Neuropathy can feel isolating, but you don't have to navigate it alone. Ignoring the symptoms won't make them disappear, but taking proactive steps today can change the trajectory of your health.
If you are tired of merely managing pain and are ready to start healing, it is time to schedule a consultation with Dr. Hayes at Bonesetters. Let us evaluate your condition and show you how chiropractic care can offer a path to a pain-free life.
Relief starts here—let Bonesetters help you reclaim your life.
Bonesetters: Critical Care Chiropractic Clinic
https://maps.app.goo.gl/ekdeZy1WhR7UTJNPA
15510 Olive Blvd, Chesterfield, MO 63017
(636) 735-3599
https://bonesetters.org/