Problems Treated
Peripheral Neuropathy
Peripheral neuropathy refers to damage of the peripheral nerves, which branch out from the brain and spine to the rest of the body. It typically begins with pain, numbness, tingling, burning or weakness in the feet, legs and/or hands, and may progress to more serious conditions such as ulcers, pain and loss of sensation. Numbness is especially dangerous, as patients sometimes do not detect an injury until the damage is so pervasive that the limb requires amputation.
Peripheral neuropathy may develop because of a nerve disease or as a side effect of an illness or medication. Common causes among Americans are diabetes, chemotherapy, chronic alcoholism, multiple sclerosis, and heavy metal toxicity.
Our physicians have undergone special training to treat peripheral neuropathy using the latest surgical techniques. Some of the advanced procedures we offer are nerve decompression and partial joint denervation to relieve foot, ankle, knee and leg pain.
Cancer Pain
The pain brought on by cancer is often a chronic state that persists for many months or years. The management of cancer pain typically involves numerous approaches designed to help cancer patients maximize their independence and capability.
Our doctors are well trained in the diagnosis and treatment of chronic muscle and nerve pain problems caused by cancer. During our consultations, we obtain a complete medical history and gather as much information as possible on a patient's pain. Our doctors work with each patient on a one-to-one basis to determine the best treatment plan for their individual pain, utilizing the most advanced techniques to relieve symptoms and allow comfortable participation in everyday activities.
Treatments for chronic cancer pain focus on relieving symptoms and can vary depending on the cause and severity of a patient's individual condition, as well as their overall health and medical history. The most successful pain management programs are those that are specifically tailored to a patient's needs, enabling them to remain actively involved in their own recovery. Some common treatments for chronic cancer pain include medications, injections, electrical stimulation, surgery or a multidisciplinary approach combining two or more of these elements.
Chronic Pain Syndrome
Chronic pain syndrome (CPS) is a complex condition, the causes of which are not fully understood. Unlike acute pain, which alerts the patient to a possible injury, infection, or disease, chronic pain persists in the absence of evident damage. While the patient may have suffered a traumatic injury or disorder, in patients with CPS, pain persists even after the injury is healed or the disease is cured, continuing to interfere with the patient's quality of life, or even creating serious disability. Patients are considered to have CPS when they continue to suffer pain well beyond the expected time needed for healing, typically more than 6 months or 1 year.
Chronic pain syndrome is generally more common in older adults and statistically more common in women than men. Research shows that the syndrome may be associated with traumatic experience or stress that has the effect of amplifying pain intensity. Depression is also associated with chronic pain syndrome.