Ask a PT

156 Posts
 
Posted - 05/01/2008 :  21:35:05  Show Profile  Reply with Quote
Our user asked: "I have a severe bunion on my left foot. The 2nd, 3rd and 4th toes of that foot have developed a painful neuropathy. I do not have diabetes, but I do have an S curve scoliosis. Is there anything I can do with PT. Podiatrist have recommended against surgery on the bunion because the bunion itself is not causing me pain. Also,I am afraid of what the recovery from the surgery would do to my well balanced scoliosis. Thank you for your time and trouble."

Ask a PT Response: "If your bunion is not the underlying cause of your problem, than I would tend to agree with your podiatrist as the surgery will not cure the pain in your toes. Surgery could result in altered walking mechanics for awhile while you recover. This change in posture and mechanics with walking could affect your back. As far as PT for helping you deal with your actual neuropathy, options are limited secondary to damage to the peripheral nerves. However, a physical therapist can evaluate you and determine if you have strength, ROM, flexibility, joint mobility, tissue irritability or functional issues. Improvements made to any of these issues which you may posess could help you deal with your condition better and improve function. I have tried infared therapy before with some patients who have had neuropathy and have had mixed results. For a few of my patients, it was able to help decrease pain one or two levels. It definitely didn't cure the neuropathy. You can find more information on infared therapy at: http://www.anodynetherapy.com/ - http://www.anodynetherapy.com/ or consult with your physical therapist. I wish you the best of luck."