Advanced Nerve Stimulation for Chronic Foot and Ankle Pain

If you have been diagnosed with Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) in your foot or ankle, you know that “pain” is an inadequate word. It is a relentless, burning, and hypersensitive experience that often leaves patients unable even to wear a sock, let alone walk. And because CRPS is often misunderstood or mismanaged by general practitioners, patients frequently spend years searching for a specialist who truly understands the intricacies of the peripheral nervous system.

At Edmond Norman Foot & Ankle, we specialize in these “impossible” cases. And for this blog, we’re explaining how we help folks manage CRPS with a powerful non-invasive option: Peripheral Nerve Stimulation.

The CRPS Challenge: When the “Volume” is Stuck on High

CRPS (formerly known as Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy) typically occurs after an injury or surgery. Instead of healing, nerves in the foot or ankle stay in a state of hyper-excitation. 

• The brain continues to receive high-intensity pain signals even after the original injury has vanished.
• Standard treatments (like physical therapy or oral medications) often fail because they don’t address the root cause: the misfiring nerve itself.

The Specialist’s Solution: Peripheral Nerve Stimulation (PNS)

For patients who have tried everything, we offer a cutting-edge breakthrough: Peripheral Nerve Stimulation (PNS).

• Unlike spinal cord stimulators that target the entire back and legs, PNS is a precision tool. 
• It involves placing a tiny, hair-thin lead near the specific nerve responsible for your foot pain (such as the tibial or peroneal nerve). 
• This device delivers mild electrical pulses that “scramble” the pain signals before they reach your brain.

Why PNS is a Gamechanger for CRPS:

• Targeted Relief: It targets the specific peripheral nerve causing the pain, rather than the entire spinal column.
• The “Volume Knob” Effect: It effectively turns down the volume of pain, replacing the burning sensation with a gentle, barely-noticeable tingling.
• Minimally Invasive: The procedure is performed through a tiny incision, often with a trial period to ensure it works for you before a permanent placement is made.
• Non-Addictive: This technology offers a robust alternative to long-term opioid use.

Why Patients Travel to See a Nerve Specialist

Nerve health is a highly specialized field. Successfully treating CRPS requires a deep understanding of neuroanatomy and experience with the latest implantable technologies.

Our practice is dedicated to the study and treatment of peripheral nerve disorders. By focusing on the source of the pain (the peripheral nerves), we help patients who have been told by other doctors that there are “no options left.”

Take the Next Step Toward Remission

CRPS is a progressive condition; the earlier it is treated with advanced neuromodulation, the better the long-term outcomes. 

If you are struggling with chronic foot pain, discoloration, or extreme sensitivity that won’t go away, it is time to consult with a specialist.

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.