When considering any medical treatment for peripheral neuropathy, the foremost question patients ask is, “Is this safe?” For Neurogenx, one of the many non-invasive therapies offered at The Foot Institute in El Paso, the answer is yes. Neurogenx is considered a safe treatment option for neuropathy symptoms, backed by FDA clearance and a strong safety profile observed in clinical use.
This article will provide a comprehensive look at what the Neurogenx treatment entails, its safety mechanisms, potential side effects, and why the podiatrists at The Foot Institute have carefully evaluated and incorporated this technology into their practice.
What Exactly Is Neurogenx?
Understanding the safety of any medical intervention begins with understanding what it is and how it works. Neurogenx is an advanced, non-invasive treatment system designed specifically to address the symptoms of peripheral neuropathy, such as pain, numbness, tingling, and burning sensations. It is not a cure for the underlying causes of nerve damage, but rather a therapy aimed at improving nerve function and providing symptomatic relief.
The treatment utilizes a technology called frequency-specific microcurrent (FSM) stimulation, delivered through electrode pads placed on the skin. These microcurrents are designed to target damaged nerves, with the goal of stimulating cellular repair processes, improving blood flow to nerve tissues, and helping to recalibrate faulty nerve signaling. Because it is non-invasive and does not involve pharmaceuticals, surgery, or needles, it inherently avoids many of the risks associated with those more aggressive approaches.
The fundamental premise of Neurogenx is to support the body’s own healing mechanisms in a gentle, targeted way, which forms the basis of its safety.
Understanding FDA Clearance and What It Means for Safety
A critical point in evaluating the safety of Neurogenx is its regulatory status. The Neurogenx system has received clearance from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). It is essential for patients to understand what this clearance signifies.
FDA clearance for a medical device like Neurogenx means the agency has reviewed the manufacturer’s data and determined the device is substantially equivalent to a legally marketed predicate device.
This process evaluates the device’s safety and its intended use. In practical terms, FDA clearance provides a significant layer of reassurance. It indicates that the device has met rigorous federal standards for safety and effectiveness for its intended purpose—in this case, for providing topical electrical nerve stimulation for the symptomatic relief of chronic, intractable pain, and for the management of post-surgical trauma pain.
The podiatrists at The Foot Institute prioritize treatments that are both innovative and responsibly vetted. Incorporating an FDA-cleared device like Neurogenx into their treatment protocols aligns with their commitment to offering evidence-based and regulatory-approved options to their neuropathy patients in El Paso.
The Treatment Process and Built-in Safety Protocols
The actual experience of a Neurogenx treatment session further underscores its safety profile. During a session at The Foot Institute, patients sit comfortably while a technician places adhesive electrode pads on the skin over specific areas related to their neuropathy symptoms, typically on the legs, feet, or hands.
The device is then activated to deliver gentle microcurrents. Patients often report feeling a slight tingling or tapping sensation, but not pain. Each session lasts about 30-45 minutes, and a typical treatment plan involves a series of sessions over several weeks.
The safety of the process is embedded in its design and administration:
- Non-invasive nature. There is no breaking of the skin, no risk of infection from incisions, and no need for anesthesia or sedation.
- Low-level current. The microcurrents used are extremely low-level, measured in microamperes (millionths of an ampere). These currents are within a range the body naturally produces and are far below levels that could cause tissue damage or disrupt heart function.
- Localized application. The treatment targets specific areas, minimizing systemic effects on the body.
- Professional oversight. At The Foot Institute, treatments are administered by trained staff under the supervision of experienced podiatrists who first conduct a thorough evaluation to ensure a patient is an appropriate candidate for Neurogenx.
Potential Side Effects and Contraindications
While Neurogenx is widely regarded as safe, no medical treatment is entirely without potential side effects. Transparency about these possibilities is a key part of ethical patient care. The reported side effects associated with Neurogenx are typically minimal and transient.
Common Experiences
Some patients may notice temporary redness or skin irritation under the electrode pads, similar to what one might experience with an adhesive bandage. This usually resolves quickly after the pads are removed. The tingling sensation during treatment, while normal, can occasionally feel strong for some individuals, but technicians can immediately adjust the settings for comfort.
Rare Considerations
There are specific situations, known as contraindications, where Neurogenx would not be administered due to theoretical risks or lack of safety data. The podiatrists at The Foot Institute carefully screen for these during consultation. Key contraindications include:
- Pacemakers or implantable electronic devices. While the microcurrent is low, there is a theoretical risk of interference with sensitive implanted cardiac devices.
- Pregnancy. As a precaution, elective treatments are generally avoided during pregnancy due to the lack of specific safety studies.
- Active cancer or recent history of cancer. The effects of electrical stimulation on malignant cells are not fully established, so treatment is typically contraindicated in areas of active or recent malignancy.
- Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) or blood clots. Stimulation could theoretically dislodge a clot.
- Severe circulatory disorders. In cases of advanced vascular disease, treatment may not be advised.
This careful screening process is a fundamental aspect of how The Foot Institute ensures patient safety. The podiatrists do not view Neurogenx as a one-size-fits-all solution, but as a tool within a comprehensive neuropathy management plan that is only used when it is deemed safe and appropriate for the individual.
The Foot Institute’s Approach to Evaluating New Treatments
The decision to offer Neurogenx at The Foot Institute was not made lightly. The podiatrists in this practice adhere to a methodical, patient-first philosophy when considering any new therapy. Their evaluation involves several key steps:
- Review of clinical evidence. They examine available research, clinical outcomes, and manufacturer data to assess efficacy and safety.
- Regulatory verification. Confirming FDA clearance is a non-negotiable first step, as it provides a foundational level of safety assurance.
- Continuing education. The doctors and staff undergo specific training on the technology to understand its mechanisms, proper application, and safety protocols.
- Patient selection criteria. They establish strict internal guidelines for who is and is not a candidate, erring on the side of caution.
- Ongoing monitoring. They track patient outcomes and experiences within their own practice to continually assess the real-world performance and safety of the treatment.
This diligent approach means that when a patient is recommended Neurogenx at The Foot Institute, it is the result of a careful professional judgment that balances potential benefits with a paramount concern for safety. Their goal is to provide El Paso neuropathy patients with access to advanced options while maintaining the highest standard of care.
Integrating Neurogenx into a Comprehensive Care Plan
It is also important to understand that the podiatrists at The Foot Institute typically recommend Neurogenx as part of a broader, individualized neuropathy management strategy. Neuropathy often has complex causes, such as diabetes, chemotherapy, or idiopathic factors. A safe and effective approach addresses the whole patient. This integrated plan may include:
- Diagnostic workup to understand the extent and possible causes of nerve damage
- Guidance on protective footwear and daily foot care to prevent injuries that numb feet cannot feel
- Nutritional counseling to support nerve health
- Co-management with a patient’s primary care physician or endocrinologist to optimize control of underlying conditions like diabetes
- Other supportive therapies that complement the goals of Neurogenx
By positioning Neurogenx within this context, the podiatrists ensure it is used safely and purposefully, rather than as an isolated intervention. This holistic view is central to their practice philosophy and contributes significantly to overall patient safety and outcomes.
For neuropathy patients in El Paso and the surrounding areas, the question of safety is both reasonable and necessary. Neurogenx presents a compelling option because its safety is rooted in its non-invasive technology, its FDA clearance, its minimal side effect profile, and the careful, ethical protocols followed by the podiatrists at The Foot Institute.
While individual experiences can vary, and a thorough consultation is essential to determine personal candidacy, the treatment stands as a safe, conservative approach in the arsenal against neuropathy symptoms. The podiatrists at The Foot Institute are committed to providing clear information and transparent guidance, allowing patients to make informed, confident decisions about their care alongside trusted medical professionals.