Neuropathy is the lack of normal sensation that often affects an extremity; it is most common in diabetic patients.  Neuropathy occurs because nerves in the diabetic patient are swollen as a result of sugar from the blood entering the nerve to give the nerve energy.  Neuropathy is the leading cause of ulceration, infection, loss of toes and, with advanced cases, amputation.

Neurosensory and motor testing (NMT) is a state-of-the-art, accurate, non-invasive tool that allows physicians to measure the degree of neuropathy starting at its very early onset. 

Older, painful, more traditional testing methods for neuropathy tells physicians only one thing - whether or not you have the disease - and usually, only after it has been progressing for a long time.  NMT is the only test that actually measures the degree of neuropathy at its onset.  It can predict where a patient is in the course of the disease.  Patients can be retested after three to six months to see if the condition has improved, leveled off or deteriorated.

Since neuropathy is a progressive disease, the early detection that NMT can provide is vital to patients.  The American Diabetes Association recommends that a sensory evaluation, such as NMT, be done on a diabetic's feet at least once a year.  The test is painless, takes less than an hour to complete, and is covered by most insurances.

Surgical Correction

Surgical decompression can be done in the leg, ankle and foot.  Surgical decompression is a surgical procedure utilized to relieve pressure on the nerve.  LVFAS, with specialized training in this procedure, will open the tight area through which the nerve passes by dividing a ligament or fibrous band that crossed the compressed nerve.  This will give the nerve more room, allowing oxygen and nutrient rich blood to flow better into the nerve and permit the nerve to move with the movement of the nearby joint.  After surgical decompression, the joint may remain stabilized by a splint or removable cast until healing is complete.