The Link Between Chemotherapy and Foot Neuropathy

For many years, chemotherapy has been a vital component of cancer treatment, aiding numerous individuals in their battle against this terrible illness. It does, however, frequently have adverse effects, just like many effective medical therapies. Here is one particular problem that many cancer survivors face: chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy, or CIPN.

In this guide, we’ll explore the link between chemotherapy and foot neuropathy, and understand what treatment options are available.

Understanding Chemotherapy-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy (CIPN)

Some of the common side effects of chemotherapy medicines can damage the peripheral nerves, or the nerves that carry signals from the brain and spinal cord to the rest of the body. This is referred to as chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN).

This section focuses on the risk factors, presentation, assessment, and treatment of this condition. This may result in a variety of symptoms, such as:

Tingling feelings in the hands and feet
Shooting or burning pain
weakened muscles
Issues with coordination and balance

While CIPN may involve any area of the body, it most commonly starts with the distal parts of the body, specifically the feet. This is because the toes are especially vulnerable, as the longest nerves in the body extend all the way down to them.

The precise processes underlying CIPN are intricate and poorly understood. However, studies show that chemotherapy medications can harm nerves in a number of ways, including:

causing disruptions to nerve cells’ mitochondrial function
causing oxidative stress and inflammation
modifying ion channels, which are essential for nerve transmission
causing nerve cells to undergo programmed cell death, or apoptosis

Risk Factors and Prevention

Although everybody receiving chemotherapy has the potential to develop CIPN, certain factors may make them more at risk:

Total amount of chemotherapy administered
pre-existing diseases such as alcoholism or diabetes
Drug metabolism is impacted by genetic differences.
Old age
deficiencies in nutrition

Unfortunately, there aren’t any effective ways to completely stop CIPN at this time. Nonetheless, the following strategies could lessen danger or severity:

where feasible, changing the dosage of chemotherapeutic medications
specific vitamin and mineral supplementation (under medical supervision)
preserving general health with nutrition and activity

Traditional Treatment Approaches

In the past, drugs that were initially created to treat other types of nerve pain have been largely utilized in the treatment of CIPN. Among them are:

Anti-seizure medications: pregabalin and gabapentin
The antidepressant duloxetine
Opioid analgesics
Topical medications, such as patches of lidocaine

Although these drugs have the potential to help certain people, they frequently have serious adverse effects and might not treat the underlying nerve injury. Furthermore, their efficacy in particular for CIPN, has been called into question in the last several years.

The majority of pharmacological therapies for CIPN have limited or poor quality data, according to a 2020 review that was published in the journal Supportive Care in Cancer. “There is insufficient evidence to recommend any agent for the prevention or treatment of CIPN,” the authors concluded.

This lack of consistently effective treatments has left many CIPN sufferers frustrated and seeking alternatives. Fortunately, emerging therapies are offering new hope.

Laser Therapy: A Breakthrough for Chronic Neuropathy

One of the most exciting developments in CIPN treatment is the use of low-level laser therapy (LLLT), also known as photobiomodulation. This non-invasive treatment uses specific wavelengths of light to stimulate healing and reduce pain at the cellular level.

How does it work? The light energy from the laser is absorbed by mitochondria (the powerhouses of cells), triggering a cascade of beneficial effects:

Increased ATP production, providing more energy for cellular repair
Reduced inflammation and oxidative stress
Improved blood flow to damaged tissues
Stimulation of growth factors that support nerve regeneration

These mechanisms directly address many of the underlying causes of CIPN, offering the potential not just to mask symptoms but to actually promote healing of damaged nerves.

The effectiveness of laser therapy for neuropathy has been demonstrated in multiple clinical studies. A systematic review analyzed 16 randomized controlled trials and concluded that LLLT showed “encouraging results” for treating various types of peripheral neuropathy, including CIPN.

Another study specifically looking at CIPN found that patients who received laser therapy experienced significant improvements in pain, numbness, and tingling compared to a control group. Importantly, these benefits were achieved without any significant side effects.

The treatment process at Restore Podiatry involves a series of short, painless laser sessions targeted at affected areas of the feet. Patients typically begin to notice improvements within a few treatments, with continued sessions often leading to long-lasting relief.

Conclusion

Do not allow foot neuropathy to further rule your life, as it can create significant problems in your life. Schedule a consultation at Restore Podiatry today to find out more on how laser therapy and the other treatments work towards making you function properly on your feet again.