May marks Neuropathy Awareness Month, and with millions of Americans grappling with undiagnosed pain caused by neuropathy, Dr. Ankur Khosla from AK Pain & Spine took the time to visit the Houston Life studio to shed light on this often-overlooked condition and share some of the innovative treatments available. Emphasizing the complexity of diagnosing neuropathy, noting that many people endure symptoms without realizing there are treatment options, Dr. Khosla said, “It’s one of these things that kind of goes unrecognized…People just live with it until they realize that there are additional treatment options.”
Neuropathy can manifest in various ways, from numbness and tingling in the hands and feet to sensations of heaviness or discomfort when touching certain surfaces. Dr. Khosla pointed out that diabetic peripheral neuropathy is a common cause, where large sugar molecules in the bloodstream affect small nerve endings, leading to pain. In addition to diabetes, neuropathy can result from chemotherapy or radiation therapy, particularly in areas like Houston, which hosts a large cancer center. Dr. Khosla highlighted the importance of identifying the root cause to improve patients’ quality of life.
Treatment options for neuropathy are not one-size-fits-all. While medications can offer relief, they often come with side effects such as sleepiness and weight gain. Dr. Khosla’s practice employs a range of techniques, including noninvasive treatments like capsaicin patches. “We take the capsaicin molecule out of chili peppers, hyper-concentrate it to an 8% solution, and wrap that patch on a patient’s foot for 30 minutes,” he explained, noting that this can reduce neuropathy symptoms by about 30% in two weeks.
For those seeking relief, Dr. Khosla encourages early consultation. “The sooner, the better,” he advised, emphasizing that early intervention can significantly enhance quality of life. As a special for Houston Life viewers AK Pain & Spine Center offers free initial consultations for the first 25 callers, making it easier for those in pain to seek help. For more information on their services, visit AK Pain and Spine’s website or call (281) 896-0013. With locations across Houston in The Woodlands, Memorial City, and Humble, they are committed to providing accessible care for those suffering from neuropathy