Neuropathy can sometimes improve, especially when the cause is found early and treated. How much damaged nerves recover depends on the cause, such as diabetes, vitamin B12 deficiency, or nerve compression in the spine, how long symptoms have been present, and how well blood sugar is controlled. Many people see less pain, numbness, and tingling and better balance with a combination of blood sugar management, nutrition, and drug free therapies such as electrotherapy, red and near infrared light therapy, PEMF therapy, balance training, and spinal decompression when the spine is involved.
What is Peripheral Neuropathy?
Peripheral neuropathy is damage to the nerves outside the brain and spinal cord, most often in the feet and hands. These nerves carry sensation, control muscles, and help regulate functions such as blood flow. When they are damaged, signals become weak, scrambled, or painful.
How Much Can Damaged Nerves Recover?
Some people see meaningful improvement in pain, numbness, and balance with consistent care, especially when the cause is identified early and treated. How much a nerve can recover depends on the cause, how long symptoms have been present, and how well blood sugar and other factors are controlled. Your doctor will set realistic goals after your exam and track your progress.
What are the Symptoms of Neuropathy in the Feet and Hands?
The most common neuropathy symptoms are numbness, tingling, burning, and sharp pain that usually start in the toes and feet and can spread upward. Other signs include:
- A “pins and needles” or “walking on cotton” feeling
- Burning or electric pain that worsens at night
- Sensitivity to light touch, such as bed sheets
- Muscle weakness or cramping in the feet and legs
- Poor balance and a higher risk of falls
- Reduced ability to feel heat, cold, or injuries on the feet
Over time, reduced sensation can lead to unnoticed cuts and foot ulcers, which is why early care matters.
What Causes Neuropathy?
Diabetes is the most common cause of peripheral neuropathy, and up to half of people with diabetes develop some nerve damage over time. Other causes include:
- Prediabetes and poorly controlled blood sugar
- Nerve compression in the spine, such as a pinched nerve or sciatica
- Vitamin deficiencies, especially vitamin B12
- Certain chemotherapy drugs and other medications
- Alcohol use and toxin exposure
- Autoimmune conditions and infections such as shingles
- Injury, surgery, and circulation problems
In some cases no clear cause is found, which doctors call idiopathic neuropathy.
How is Neuropathy Diagnosed?
Neuropathy is diagnosed with a hands on nerve exam combined with imaging and lab work to find what is driving your symptoms. Your evaluation may include:
- Spinal and extremity palpation to check for nerve compression
- Fine touch, temperature, and vibration testing in the feet and hands
- Muscle strength and balance testing
- Thermographic imaging of the hands and feet to assess circulation
- A foot scan to evaluate pressure and balance
- Lab work with interpretation, including fasting glucose and A1C to screen for diabetes and prediabetes
What Drug Free Treatments Help Neuropathy?
The Gonstead Physical Medicine neuropathy protocol combines eight drug free therapies designed to improve circulation, support nerve function, and reduce pain.
- Chiropractic care and spinal decompression. Gonstead adjustments and DRX9000 spinal decompression address nerve compression in the spine that can contribute to symptoms in the legs and feet.
- TeslaMax electrotherapy. High voltage, low amperage stimulation is used to activate muscles, support nerve signaling, and improve circulation.
- Light therapy. Red light therapy delivers red (660 nm) and near infrared (880 nm) light to the feet and legs to support circulation and tissue recovery.
- PEMF therapy. Pulsed electromagnetic field therapy is used to help calm pain signals and support healing.
- Balance and neuromuscular retraining. Vibration plate exercises help rebuild balance, coordination, and confidence on your feet.
- Nutrition and IV support. Diet guidance, supplements, and vitamin IV therapy address deficiencies that can affect nerve health.
- Blood sugar monitoring. Regular lab testing tracks the blood sugar levels that strongly influence nerve damage.
- Topical relief. Targeted topical products can ease burning and discomfort between visits.
Is Neuropathy Treatment an Alternative to Medication?
For many patients, a drug free protocol is a helpful alternative or complement to medication. Common prescriptions for nerve pain can mask symptoms and may cause drowsiness or dizziness, but they do not address circulation, nerve compression, or nutrition. Always talk with your prescribing doctor before changing any medication, and continue to work with your medical doctor if you have diabetes.
When Should You See a Doctor Right Away for Nerve Symptoms?
Seek urgent medical care for sudden weakness, numbness on one side of the body, trouble speaking, a foot wound that is red, hot, or draining, or nerve symptoms that worsen rapidly over days.
Neuropathy Treatment in North Phoenix
Phoenix area patients living with burning, tingling, or numb feet visit Gonstead Physical Medicine for a drug free neuropathy program at our clinic on Union Hills Drive. Care begins with lab work with interpretation to look for causes such as low vitamin B12 or blood sugar problems, and may include red light therapy, physiotherapy and rehabilitation, and naturopathic services. We serve patients from Phoenix, Glendale, and Scottsdale and coordinate care with your medical doctor. Our bilingual staff also serves patients in Spanish.
Neuropathy FAQs
What kind of doctor treats neuropathy?
Neuropathy may be treated by neurologists, primary care doctors, podiatrists, and chiropractic and naturopathic physicians. Our team focuses on drug free care and works alongside your medical doctor, especially if you have diabetes.
Does B12 deficiency cause neuropathy?
Yes. Low vitamin B12 is a known cause of nerve damage and numbness. Learn more about whether B12 shots work.
How many visits does neuropathy treatment take?
Most protocols involve a series of visits over several weeks. The exact plan depends on your exam, lab results, and how your symptoms respond.
How Do You Start Treatment for Neuropathy?
The first step is a full evaluation to find what is driving your nerve symptoms. Gonstead Physical Medicine offers an 8 step, drug free program for neuropathy treatment in Phoenix, with care coordinated alongside your medical doctor. We offer a $49 New Patient Special that includes a consultation, exam, digital X rays, a free MRI review, and a doctor’s report of findings. See current special offers.
Call (602) 973 1630 or schedule your appointment online. Gonstead Physical Medicine is located at 2735 W Union Hills Dr #102, Phoenix, AZ 85027.
