- FREMS
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by tmi
Diabetes and the FREMS treatment
By Dr. Conway McLean
Posted Mar 17, 2011 @ 06:29 PM
Diabetes appears to be nearing epidemic proportions. Because this particular disease produces a constellation of problems, there will be a tremendous strain on our health care system in the years to come. Of course, these financial expenditures are secondary to the suffering and disability that will result.
One of the most common problems associated with diabetes is an opening in the skin, which is called an ulcer. Because the skin is the body’s best defense against the invasion of bacteria (which can easily lead to an infection), any opening in the skin is a cause for concern. Thisis especially true since diabetics have a reduced ability to fight bacteria. Even a tiny crack in the skin can lead to an infection; after all, germs are extremely small and don’t need much space to get in.
One of the most common problems associated with diabetes is an opening in the skin, which is called an ulcer. Because the skin is the body’s best defense against the invasion of bacteria (which can easily lead to an infection), any opening in the skin is a cause for concern. Thisis especially true since diabetics have a reduced ability to fight bacteria. Even a tiny crack in the skin can lead to an infection; after all, germs are extremely small and don’t need much space to get in.
Adding insult to injury, diabetes generally causes various nerve problems. This is not a reference to nervousness or any psychological problem but rather a dysfunction of certain nerves of the feet, thus causing decreased sensitivity. This condition is called neuropathy, and numbness is one of the more common consequences. Even worse, some experience an intense, burning pain that may continue unabated. Eventually, neuropathy will result in a gradual reduction in one’s ability to detect trauma to the skin. Someone with neuropathy can walk around for days with a tack stuck in the foot and have no idea there is a problem. Even worse, they often will have no idea that an even greater problem, a deep infection, may be growing.
The piece de resistance is immune system problems, another of the many systems in the body affected by diabetes. With immunopathy, the sufferer has a reduced capacity to fight off invading bacteria. Thus, not only are they unable to feel a developing problem (which may initially be a very simple one), they are unable to fight off the germs that have invaded. This can lead to a limb-threatening infection.
Effective treatments for diabetics with nerve problems have been slow in coming. A certain class of pharmaceutical is often prescribed, although these have many side effects, and often relief is limited. But finally, there are better alternatives.
An unusual type of light therapy was developed roughly two decades ago, and there was much fanfare about its introduction, since it clearly helped with diabetic neuropathy. Unfortunately, the benefits were very temporary. A successful treatment for most people is one that provides lasting relief (certainly more than a few days to a week).
More recently, biochemists have synthesized a special form of a very important B vitamin that is a critical to nerve function. This chemical is lacking in diabetic neuropathy, so taking this vitamin consistently seems to be very helpful to those with diabetic neuropathy. It should be noted that the relief is not just symptomatic, but appears to be “curing” the nerves. Because of it’s very recent introduction and significant cost, most physicians have little to no knowledge of it, as well as minimal experience with it.
Electrical stimulation is a term describing the use of electricity to speed healing and reduce pain in the human body. It is a very broad category, and there are many types, each with its own particular characteristics and uses. Research continues into different ways of using electricity in medicine to perform various functions. But a breakthrough occurred about 10 years ago in Italy when a device was developed that was found to have tremendously beneficial effects in reversing neuropathy and various other nerve problems. It is called Frequency Rhythmic Electrically Modulated Stimulation (FREMS), and has finally made its way to the U.S., where it is being tested by a select group of physicians.
Because of its capacity to reverse neuropathy for many months, it should become an important tool in the battle against the devastating effects of diabetes. This is even more true since it also has the ability to improve blood flow and as well as speed the healing of chronic wounds. FREMS appears poised to revolutionize the care of people with diabetes.
As use of this new technology spreads, further information concerning the use of the FREMS will come to light, so stay tuned.
Dr. Conway McLean is director of podiatry and surgery for The Medical and Foot Care Group in Palos Heights, Ill.
The piece de resistance is immune system problems, another of the many systems in the body affected by diabetes. With immunopathy, the sufferer has a reduced capacity to fight off invading bacteria. Thus, not only are they unable to feel a developing problem (which may initially be a very simple one), they are unable to fight off the germs that have invaded. This can lead to a limb-threatening infection.
Effective treatments for diabetics with nerve problems have been slow in coming. A certain class of pharmaceutical is often prescribed, although these have many side effects, and often relief is limited. But finally, there are better alternatives.
An unusual type of light therapy was developed roughly two decades ago, and there was much fanfare about its introduction, since it clearly helped with diabetic neuropathy. Unfortunately, the benefits were very temporary. A successful treatment for most people is one that provides lasting relief (certainly more than a few days to a week).
More recently, biochemists have synthesized a special form of a very important B vitamin that is a critical to nerve function. This chemical is lacking in diabetic neuropathy, so taking this vitamin consistently seems to be very helpful to those with diabetic neuropathy. It should be noted that the relief is not just symptomatic, but appears to be “curing” the nerves. Because of it’s very recent introduction and significant cost, most physicians have little to no knowledge of it, as well as minimal experience with it.
Electrical stimulation is a term describing the use of electricity to speed healing and reduce pain in the human body. It is a very broad category, and there are many types, each with its own particular characteristics and uses. Research continues into different ways of using electricity in medicine to perform various functions. But a breakthrough occurred about 10 years ago in Italy when a device was developed that was found to have tremendously beneficial effects in reversing neuropathy and various other nerve problems. It is called Frequency Rhythmic Electrically Modulated Stimulation (FREMS), and has finally made its way to the U.S., where it is being tested by a select group of physicians.
Because of its capacity to reverse neuropathy for many months, it should become an important tool in the battle against the devastating effects of diabetes. This is even more true since it also has the ability to improve blood flow and as well as speed the healing of chronic wounds. FREMS appears poised to revolutionize the care of people with diabetes.
As use of this new technology spreads, further information concerning the use of the FREMS will come to light, so stay tuned.
Dr. Conway McLean is director of podiatry and surgery for The Medical and Foot Care Group in Palos Heights, Ill.