Limb Amputation May be Prevented for Diabetics

31 August 2005
Type 2 diabetes can lead to peripheral neuropathy, numbness due to poor blood circulation in the feet. It becomes very hard to sleep.
Numerous treatments of Anodyne Therapy, a therapy becoming common for diabetics, can relieve this pain.
Anodyne Therapy, an FDA-cleared contraptio, emits infra-red photo energy onto a particular spot to improve circulation and relieve pain for a temporary period.
A physiotherapist straps the Anodyne Therapy pads onto the injured area. The pads ensure a warm feeling on the spot, according to the Florida-based company that makes the device.
Tingling occurs, a normal sign that blood flow is returning to the area.
“When I first heard about it (Anodyne Therapy) for Type 2 diabetes, I was skeptical,” said Jeff Whitaker, vice president of physiotherapy services and licensed physical therapist at Girling Healthcare in Corpus Christi, Texas. “(But) we’ve had remarkable results with wound-care patients and peripheral neuropathy patients, so all this so-called hype was true.”
Patients with extreme arthritis pain in the hands and forearms can also benefit from Anodyne Therapy.
For long-term, home use, Anodyne Home Therapy Systems, smaller machines with fewer pads, also are available.