Beware of False Claims for Neuropathy Cures:

• I am starting my Foot Note message on a positive note. Although peripheral neuropathy is essentially not curable, there have been many positive advances in the medical community in understanding and treating this chronic condition.

   

• These are just a few of the studies and advances in the field of peripheral neuropathy. These are credible and believable statements about neuropathy. The fact is, there is no one silver bullet that will cure or eliminate neuropathy pain and numbness. Relieving the discomfort of neuropathy requires small steps including medication, nutritional supplements, therapies and restoring balance when walking.

   

• Unfortunately there are far too many misleading and fraudulent claims about “neuropathy cures.” These shameless claims are seen on the internet, newspapers, magazines, radio and infomercials. The following is just a small sampling of so-called neuropathy cures:

   

• Finally, a solution for peripheral neuropathy-if you suffer from peripheral neuropathy, change your life today by being one of the first 25 callers.

 

• New medical device eliminates neuropathy pain.

 

Let’s examine some of those claims regarding curing neuropathy. Dr. XX states that he has a solution for neuropathy-if you are one of the first 25 callers. I guess if you are the 26th caller and you have neuropathy, you are out of luck. Imagine a prestigious medical and research center such as the Mayo Clinic, stating that they can only help the first 25 people who called.

Next claim-“new treatment and medical device, eliminates the need for surgery or medication to relieve neuropathy pain.” Dr. XX and the creator of this medical device should receive a Noble prize in medicine-since they can do what no other medical facility in the US, or in fact in the world can do-that is eliminate neuropathy with a wave of the proverbial magic wand.

These claims would be laughable if it weren’t for the fact that they are grossly fraudulent and misleading. How do these individuals and companies get away with making these statements? I have no idea! The fact is that there is no watchdog consumer advocacy group that can possibly investigate all these claims. The Better Business Bureau does a good job but literally handles thousand of reported cases of misrepresentation and fraud on a local and national level. Unless the product is grievously harmful or involves a significant monetary loss-most of these false claims “slip through the cracks.”

Unfortunately many of these individuals who are making these misleading claims are playing on the desperation on those people who are suffering from peripheral neuropathy. Neuropathy can be incredibly uncomfortable and life-altering. This makes an unsuspecting person susceptible to believing these untruthful statements. My best advice to you-as the wise man once said “if it sounds too good to be true-run the other way.” Reputable medical professionals will never make such sweeping statements. A good source for referrals and additional information is the Neuropathy Association. They are based in New York and are the primary organization and advocacy group for peripheral neuropathy. You can also correspond with me if you have questions or concerns-contact me at blog@footpaincenter.com.