According to an animal study, Botox may be used to reduce neuropathy pain. Dr. Tony L. Yaksh of UC San Diego studied the effects of local and spinal injections of the Botox B, an approved form of Botox by the FDA. Dr. Yaksh and colleagues induced mononeuropathy and polyneuropathy into two groups of mice and then injected the Botox-B into the spine as well as locally through the paws. The local injections reduced pain in the mononeuropathy mice, but did not significantly reduce pain the polyneuropathy group. The spinal injection significantly reduced pain in all four paws of the mice. The study proved that Botox can be useful in treating neuropathy when injected a certain way..

If you have concerns regarding systemic diseases such as neuropathy and their effects on the feet, consult with Dr. Kevin H. Lapoff of Lake Worth Podiatry. Our doctor will answer any of your foot- and ankle-related questions and provide you with the treatment you need.

Systemic Diseases of the Foot

Systemic diseases affect the whole body, and symptoms usually are displayed in the feet. This condition can make a patient’s ability to walk unbearable. Systemic diseases include: gout, diabetes mellitus, neurological disorders, and arthritis.

Gout – is caused by an excess of uric acid in the body. Some common symptoms include pain, inflammation, and redness at the metatarsal/phalangeal joint of the base big toe. Gout can be treated by NSAIDs, which relieves pain and inflammation and other drugs which lowers the acid levels in the body.

Diabetes mellitus- is an increase in the level of blood sugar in which the body cannot counteract with the insulin in the body. When the body doesn’t produce enough insulin this is a factor in Diabetes.

Diabetes of the Feet

● Diabetic Neuropathy – may lead to damaged nerves and affect the feet through numbness and loss of sensation.

● Peripheral Vascular Disease- can restrict the blood flow to the feet, and often times lead to amputation of the feet.

If you have any questions, please contact our office located in Lake Worth, FL. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

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