Lower Extremity Peripheral Nerve Pathology
Peripheral nerve pathology can cause pain and dysfunction, significantly affecting a patient’s quality of life. Dr. Laube Ward has a passion for and is fellowship trained in cutting-edge clinical protocols and surgical techniques for addressing issues, such as:
- Chronic pain
- Drop foot
- Implantation of peripheral nerve stimulators
- Nerve compression
- Neuromas
- Tarsal tunnel syndrome
- Traumatic nerve injury & more
What is Peripheral Nerve Pain?
The peripheral nervous system consists of the nerves outside of the brain and the spinal cord. Unfortunately, traumatic injuries, previous surgery or conditions can cause damage to these delicate structures and result in chronic debilitating pain and dysfunction. Symptoms of peripheral nerve pain include:
- Burning
- Numbness
- Sharp shooting discomfort
- Muscle cramping
- Difficulty balancing
Surgery for Chronic Pain
Some causes of chronic pain can be successfully treated with peripheral nerve surgery and/or implantation of a peripheral nerve stimulator. Pain in a specific area (not due to lower back or other bone or joint issues) that has not been relieved by conservative methods, may be due to injury of one or more peripheral nerves.
Conservative treatment methods include: physical therapy, topical analgesics, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), injections, nerve medications (gabapentin, Lyrica) and narcotics. Unfortunately, these methods may simply mask a peripheral nerve issue without treating the underlying cause.
If you have pain lasting for more than two months that is not due to a bone or joint issue and/or have experienced burning, numbness, or sharp shooting discomfort after the following conditions you may have a peripheral nerve injury:
Prior surgery
- Knee replacement
- ACL reconstruction
- Leg, ankle, or foot operations
Trauma
- Falls
- Contusions
- Sports injuries (ankle sprains, ligament tears)
Other
- Chemotherapy
- Diagnosis of Chronic Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS)
- Diabetes
Make an appointment with Dr. Laube Ward today at(763) 587-7999 for a full work-up and to see if you are a candidate for peripheral nerve surgery.