Pain Medicine of Evangelical Introduces New Treatment for Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy of the Feet

Millions of Americans suffer from diabetes and its complications including painful diabetic peripheral neuropathy of the feet.

Diabetic peripheral neuropathy is a debilitating progressive disease with significant negative effects on function and quality of life. The severe nerve pain and tingling it causes can make it difficult for patients to walk and the symptoms are often worse at night, disrupting restorative sleep.

A newly introduced treatment option at Pain Medicine of Evangelical can bring relief by way of capsaicin, commonly known as the active ingredient in chili peppers. Qutenza (capsaicin) 8% is a topical system for painful diabetic peripheral neuropathy of the feet.

“Qutenza is a patch, a large sticker, so to speak,” said Lukasz Chebes, MD, Medical Director at Pain Medicine of Evangelical. During treatment with Qutenza, the medicine in the patch absorbs into the skin, travels to small nerves in the feet, and helps to reduce pain signals sent to the brain. Clinical trials have demonstrated that Qutenza is both safe and effective for the management of pain associated with diabetic peripheral neuropathy.

A 30-minute application with Qutenza administered by a healthcare professional at Pain Medicine of Evangelical can provide significant relief for up to three months. Subsequent applications at a quarterly interval can help patients living with this condition to find relief and improve quality of life.

“Painful diabetic peripheral neuropathy can be difficult to manage,” said Dr. Chebes. “And, while other treatment options do exist, Qutenza is unique as it is well-tolerated, is not an oral medication such as a pill, is not an opioid, and is nonsystemic and noninvasive.”

“At Pain Medicine of Evangelical, we are always looking to make the newest, safest, most evidence-based treatments available to our patients and Qutenza certainly fits the bill,” said Dr. Chebes.

For more information about this exciting new treatment option or to learn whether you may be a potential candidate for treatment with Qutenza, call Pain Medicine of Evangelical at 570-768-3150 to schedule an appointment.