Peripheral Nerve Stimulators: A Non-Invasive Approach to Chronic Pain Management
Chronic pain in the lower extremities can significantly impact quality of life, and confusion regarding the source of that pain makes matters even worse. Fortunately, the team at Edmond Norman Foot & Anklecan clear things up!
Dr. Bil Buksh is noted for both his expertise in managing chronic pain and his skill in managing complex nerve conditions, which are often the source of the issue. He has found that when traditional methods fail to provide adequate relief, peripheral nerve stimulators (PNS) may offer a promising solution. Keep reading and learn why some patients come to us from out-of-state seeking this powerful, innovative treatment option.
PNS Fast Facts
Peripheral nerve stimulation is still being studied, but existing results are already quite promising:
- An analysis in the journal Anesthesiologyshowed that PNS can reduce both pain scores and opioid requirements after lower extremity surgery: opioid consumption plummeted by 80%, and pain scores dropped by more than 50%.
- This same analysis suggested that PNS works to both prevent acute pain from becoming chronic and effectively manage existing chronic pain.
Other studies have demonstrated the effectiveness of PNS when providing analgesic relief to patients struggling with neuropathic pain.
How Do Peripheral Nerve Stimulators Work?
- PNS devices work by delivering mild electrical impulses to specific nerves in the peripheral nervous system.
- These impulses can help to disrupt pain signals and reduce the perception of pain.
- This technique, known as neuromodulation, can offer significant, enduring pain relief.
Conditions Treated with PNS
PNS are commonly used to treat chronic pain conditions in the lower extremities, including:
- Chronic nerve pain in the legs, ankles, or feet
- Chronic tarsal tunnel syndrome
- Post-herpetic neuralgia
- Chronic sciatic pain
- Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS)
- Peripheral neuropathy
- Post-surgical pain
- Revisional peripheral nerve surgeries and failures
3 More Benefits of PNS
While the list below is by no means exhaustive, it does cover some perks we haven’t mentioned yet, including:
- Flexibility and Control: Patients can adjust the stimulation settings or temporarily turn off the device to manage pain according to their needs.
- Minimal Invasiveness: The implantation procedure is minimally invasive and typically involves minimal recovery time.
- Reversibility: The device can be removed if necessary, making it a flexible option for pain management.
Is PNS Right for You?
To determine if you are a candidate for PNS, we’ll evaluate your medical history, symptoms, and other factors. Before permanent implantation, many patients undergo a trial procedure to assess their response to the device. This involves a minimally invasive procedure to test the effectiveness of the PNS.
Bill Buksh, DPM, works alongside his expert medical staff at Edmond Norman Foot & Ankle to offer superior podiatric care to anyone in need. Pairing thorough, comprehensive remedies for common podiatric conditions with unique specialty treatments for nerve pain, he and his team would be delighted to treat your feet. Contact us to schedule your appointment today!
