Neuropathy is a nerve disorder that can cause pain, numbness, weakness and disability. There are many known causes for neuropathy, diabetes being the most common. Other causes include alcohol abuse, chemotherapy, stroke, back problems and leprosy. There are also times when no known cause can be found.

Diabetes is being diagnosed at alarming rates in all age groups. There are countless people walking around right now with diabetes and they may not become aware of their disease for years.

There are many signs and symptoms associated with diabetes; however, one of the more disturbing, life changing and painful conditions is diabetic neuropathy.

Neuropathy typically occurs in about 50% of those with diabetes; however, half of that group (25% of all diabetics) will develop painful neuropathy that causes significant foot pain.

Neuropathy can cause debilitating shooting pain and throbbing throughout the feet. The foot pain may occur while sleeping, falling asleep or during normal daily activities.

There are few treatments that are targeted specifically for neuropathy. Many attempt to treat symptoms, such as giving sleeping pills to allow those that suffer to sleep through the night. Those treatments that are specifically for neuropathy often only provide minor relief or they involve highly-invasive surgery or a lifetime of strong medications with side-effects.

There is hope now for those who have painful neuropathy. Cryosurgery is minimally invasive, yet provides long-term relief by freezing the nerve which causes the pain. Dr. Marc Katz, a Podiatrist with Advanced Podiatry in Tampa, FL, became a Cryostar-certified Cryosurgeon and began using this FDA approved technology to treat painful nerve conditions in the foot, ankle and leg. He became interested in the Cryosurgery technique and its possible applications for those patients with diabetic neuropathy. Dr. Katz developed a Cryosurgery treatment protocol for neuropathy and noted that the success was truly remarkable. Patients had significant pain relief and they were often able to return to their favorite activities and discontinue or decrease the use of strong medications.

The Cryosurgery Procedure:

The procedure is minimally invasive and takes 15-45 minutes to perform. During a typical in-office procedure, the painful area is infiltrated with a local anesthetic, so that the cryoprobe can be introduced without discomfort. A puncture just large enough for the probe to easily pass through is made in the skin. Next, a small diameter instrument called a trocar is placed through the puncture site to create a pathway for the cryoprobe to be inserted. The probe is inserted through the puncture site to the area of pain. The freeze cycles are then initiated. Upon completion of the freeze cycles, the probe is removed and an antibiotic ointment is placed over the puncture site and a sterile dressing is applied. Sutures are not necessary due to the small size of the puncture. The dressing may be removed within 24 hours and a shower is then permitted. Postoperative discomfort is minimal. Most patients are advised to decrease their normal level of activity over the first 48 hours. In some cases more than one treatment is needed to obtain optimal results.

Success rates have been between 80 and 90 percent in most patients, says Dr. Katz. As with any treatment, results will vary. However, most patients get significant relief and rarely will get worse with the Cryosurgery treatment. Some patients may require treatment of different areas of the foot and may need the procedure repeated to gain further relief.