Patient: C. I.
Age: 59
Presenting Complaint:
C. I. presented on 02/29/2024 with pain, numbness, and cramping in both feet for the past 2 years. Her symptoms had been interfering with her balance, walking, and sleep. She had experienced falls due to her lack of balance.
She noted that she had to give up family activities because of her symptoms and was unable to keep up with her grandchildren.
Past treatments included Gabapentin, Neurontin, Ibuprofen, Motrin, creams and massage. None of these treatments helped.
Initial Evaluation:
Nitric oxide levels were assessed and found to be depleted. Sensory testing was performed utilizing several different stimuli to assess the function of the different sensory nerve fibers. The result of the sensory testing was as follows:
- 9% sensory loss in the right foot
- 9% sensory loss in the left foot
The sensory loss in his feet was considered by medical standards to be severe.
Treatment Plan:
In-office treatment 2x/week for 4 weeks, followed by 1x/week for 8 weeks.
In-office treatment consisted of:
- Class 4 deep tissue laser therapy to the lumbar spine, legs, and feet to decrease pain, promote angiogenesis, promote oxygenation of the tissues, and accelerate soft tissue healing.
- Standing whole body vibration therapy to promote circulation and balance.
Home treatment consisted of the following to be performed 2x/day:
- Low-level infrared therapy to promote angiogenesis.
- Specialized electrical stimulation to promote reeducation of the damaged nerve fibers.
- Balance exercises to reinforce neural pathways between mechanoreceptors in the feet and the cerebellum.
- Nutritional supplementation to support nitric oxide production and circulation, decrease oxidative stress and decrease inflammation.
Results:
- I. had monthly reassessments during the 3-month in-office treatment period, followed by a re-assessment 6 months following commencement of treatment.
At her 3-month assessment, C. I. noted decreased foot pain, numbness, and cramping, as well as improved balance, walking, and sleep. The result of the sensory testing was as follows:
- 9% sensory loss in the right foot
- 9% sensory loss in the left foot
At this point, his sensory loss was considered to be mild.
Conclusion:
Her sensory improvement has improved as follows:
- 0% improvement in the right foot
- 0% improvement in the left foot
The treatment protocol combining state-of-the-art laser therapy and whole-body vibration along with the home treatment regimen and nutritional supplementation has greatly improved C. I.’s quality of life, allowing her to sleep better, walk farther without pain, and resume family activities, including keeping up with her grandchildren.
