How to use a TENS units & EMS machines for foot neuropathy & polyneuropathy? Placement of electrode pads

Hands and feet are densely innervated appendages, so they have a high sensitivity. This causes nerve damage in these areas derived from certain diseases and disorders to generate ailments that are mainly centered in the hands and feet, limiting body functions to different degrees.

This kind of disorder is known as peripheral neuropathy or peripheral polyneuropathy, which is a very limiting disorder for the performance of the human body. In this article, we will teach you everything you need to know about peripheral neuropathy, its causes and symptoms, as well as how to use TENS and EMS electrotherapy methods to treat this disorder.

How to use TENS machines to relieve peripheral neuropathy pain?

The application of TENS therapy for the treatment of neuropathy obeys certain criteria that need to be applied to ensure the effectiveness of the treatment. These are the positioning of the electrodes on the affected areas and the intensity of the current applied to it.

Where to place the electrodes?

The ideal positioning of the electrodes should follow the line of the peroneal nerve and the ramifications of the sciatic nerve in order to cover most of the innervation of the foot, so the most precise locations are as follows:

• Midline of the calf, two-thirds of the distance to the insertion of the Achilles tendon.
• Depression between the medial malleolus and the Achilles tendon.

This positioning is ideal for stimulating the nerve endings of the lateral and sural quater nerves, minimizing the sensation of pain in the patient.

Which current to use?

Peripheral neuropathy affects a large number of nerves in the body, although its main effect is the pain perceived by the patient in legs and feet, for which it is necessary to apply a TENS electric shock of varying intensity, depending on the level of pain.

The range of effectiveness of the shock is quite wide, working with the application of electrical impulses varying from 2 to 100 Hz for periods of 20 to 60 minutes, in order to relax the sciatic and peroneal nerves and reduce the sensation of pain.

Best TENS units to treat nerve damage in the feet and legs

Since peripheral neuropathy is a nerve disorder, TENS therapy is particularly effective in treating its symptoms, so it is possible to find a wide variety of TENS devices with the right settings to deliver an effective session. Among the best TENS units are the following:

The Belifu muscle stimulator is the perfect combination of TENS and EMS electrostimulation modalities, through which you can apply massages to relieve pain in a natural way, as well as generate muscle contractions that increase the size, strength and tone of the muscle, all in a completely safe and natural way, stimulating the body's natural processes.

It has 24 modes of use and 20 intensity levels that can be applied in isolation to each of the device's channels thanks to its dual channel function, allowing different therapies to be applied to separate areas of the body. In addition, it has a session timer mode and automatic shut-off that will allow you to give greater efficiency to your sessions and make better use of the energy of its high-capacity lithium battery.

This electric massage unit provided by iReliev is one of the most versatile and, at the same time, simplest electrostimulation machines you can find, with 8 predefined modes of use 25 adjustable intensity levels, you can program it to fit your body's needs. Additionally, its dual channel function allows you to program more than one massage mode simultaneously to treat multiple areas of the body.

It has an interesting session timer function that allows you to adjust the duration of each therapy up to a maximum of 60 minutes. Its compact size allows it to be carried in your pocket, so you can take it with you from home to work, or on the road, and use it whenever you need it.

The Neocarbon electrostimulation kit includes everything you could need for the treatment of ailments, thanks to its device incorporating TENS and EMS electrotherapy modalities, and dual channel function combined with 24 modes of use and 20 levels of intensity, which means that you can apply complete treatments to different parts of the body simultaneously.

The use of TENS and EMS that this device provides will allow you to use them to apply relaxing massages that relieve any ailment in a natural way, stimulating the production of endorphins and blocking the body's pain signals, as well as electrical discharges that stimulate muscle movement, creating contractions that encourage the growth of muscle fibers, increasing the tone and strength of the muscles.

The Med-Fit model BAL-906ª is a very complete rechargeable electrostimulation device of premium quality that has an incredible function of 4 individual channels that will give you a great coverage and a perfect effectiveness when applying different electrical massages simultaneously. It also has a large LCD screen that makes it especially easy to operate, so you can program your sessions with great ease.

It has 24 clinically proven massage programs, which are divided into 12 TENS therapy programs and 12 muscle stimulation training modes. It has a long-life rechargeable lithium battery that will give you a great autonomy of several hours of continuous use, eliminating the extra cost of buying replacement cylindrical batteries.

The compact electrostimulator of the iRest brand offers a combination of electrostimulation modalities, combining the benefits of TENS and EMS therapy, providing its users with a safe and drug-free method to treat ailments caused by different injuries or diseases, through the application of low-intensity electrical impulses.

It has 6 modes of use that emulate different types of massages to achieve different objectives, along with 10 levels of intensity that provides greater effectiveness. The package includes 1 control, 2 large electrodes, 2 small electrodes, 2 guide cables, 1 user's manual, 1 cable case and 1 treatment guide.

How to use EMS to strengthen muscles and prevent peripheral neuropathy?

The application of EMS therapy is contraindicated for the treatment of patients suffering from neuropathy, however, it is possible to obtain certain benefits from its use in regions vulnerable to the disease, in order to prevent its onset.

Where to put the electrodes?

The effect of EMS therapy in the prevention of peripheral neuropathy derives largely from the location of the electrodes on the leg and foot, in order to stimulate the muscles necessary to lessen the impact of any nerve damage.

The ideal positions are as follows:

• Mid zone of the tibialis anterior muscle
• Mid zone of the peroneal muscles
• Soleus muscle, on both sides
• Plantar fascia, in the center of the sole of the foot

What intensity to use?

The activation of the muscle tissue that makes up the feet plays a crucial role in preventing nerve damage to the area caused by light impacts, so it is necessary to take into account the parameters required to obtain the best results.

In the case of the foot and leg muscles, the ideal intensity ranges from 65 to 85 Hz, which generates contractions in the muscle groups that increase their strength and reduce the likelihood of nerve damage

Best EMS machines to prevent nerve damage in feet

The effectiveness of EMS treatment for the prevention of neuropathy can vary depending on a number of factors. One of them is the correct application of electric shocks through proper settings on the device. To do this, it is necessary to select the right EMS machine and among the best options we have the following:

The Compex Sport Elite 2.0 comes to the market as one of the most versatile and complete options to increase the results of physical conditioning and reduce the negative effects of the same through its TENS stimulation technology which allows an adequate management of the odor, reducing the intensity of the same and increasing the mobility and functionality of the muscles.

It includes 10 electrostimulation modes divided into 3 recovery modes, 2 warm-up modes, 1 TENS massage mode and 4 strength training modes. It also has 5 levels of progressive intensity that will help you improve your strength, endurance and combat various ailments caused by exhaustion.

The QuadStim brand electro stimulator is an incredibly versatile electrotherapy machine that combines the benefits of TENS currents and EMS electrostimulation, allowing you to treat a wide range of ailments while applying high-intensity electrical impulses to increase muscle fiber development and build muscle strength.

It has 8 customizable modes of use, of which 5 apply TENS current and 3 apply EMS current. It also has different levels of intensity, frequency and pulse radius, making it one of the most versatile electrostimulation machines on the market.

The Belice brand has one of the most powerful and versatile electrostimulation units available on the market, which comes in a package with everything you may need to apply a successful electro massage therapy, from the reusable pads to a travel bag to take your device with you wherever you go.

It has 24 modes of use and 30 intensity levels that you can program individually on each of its 4 channels, so you can apply them to different parts of the body, or even different people, simultaneously. Its high-powered battery will allow you to apply electrostimulation for 20 continuous hours, and is fully rechargeable through the current or from a USB charger.

In DOMAS you will find one of the best electro stimulators available in the market, which allows both the relief of different types of pain, thanks to its TENS technology, and muscle stimulation through EMS electrical impulses. It has a dual output channel through which you can treat two areas of the body simultaneously and has 24 modes of use and 20 adjustable intensity levels.

It has a rechargeable lithium battery that allows you to use your device for up to 20 uninterrupted hours. It can be plugged into wall outlets, or charged via USB connection. It is a perfect alternative for the treatment of ailments without side effects and avoiding the use of drugs.

The best feature of the iReliev wireless electro stimulator is that it has one of the most complete sets of equipment on the market. The wireless unit included in the package works with both TENS and EMS technology, and also includes 4 receiver pods, 8 electrodes, a dual interchangeable cable adapter, 1 carrying case, a starter guide and an instruction manual, making it one of the best-equipped packages available.

Its rechargeable battery gives you 8 to 10 hours continuous run time per full charge, and each of the pods provides 3 to 5 hours of continuous operation. With 8 TENS and 6 EMS preset programmes, along with 25 intensity levels, its 4-channel system allows you to perform isolated treatment on various muscle groups. Undoubtedly the most complete option you can find for the treatment of ailments.

Video: How to place the electrodes pads on the foot?

Electrodes for feet

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What is neuropathy and what are the causes?

Neuropathy is a disorder that occurs as a result of damage to the nerves of the peripheral nervous system, which are located outside the brain and spinal cord, affecting various areas of the body, although its effects are usually accentuated in the hands and feet.

The main symptoms of this disorder are:

• Weakness
• Numbness in hands and feet
• Shooting and tingling pain
• Digestive problems
• Circulation problems

There is a wide variety of causes for which a patient may develop peripheral neuropathy or poly neuropathy, among the most common we can highlight the following:

• Traumatic injuries
• Infections
• Metabolic diseases
• Genetic causes
• Exposure to certain toxins
• Diabetes

What are the most common types of neuropathies?

Nephropathy is not a disease that has different types, since it is a condition with quite specific symptoms, so it is easily identifiable. However, it is classified according to different criteria. These are the following:

• Function of the affected nerves: neuropathy can affect both motor and sensory branches in the affected nerves.
• Time of evolution: less than one month is classified as acute neuropathy, after that it is known as chronic neuropathy.
• Forms of development: this classification separates neuropathy into hereditary and acquired forms.
• Guillain-Barré syndrome: disease that causes autoimmune response against the nervous system, causing the symptoms of neuropathy.

Differences between TENS and EMS: Which is better for treating damaged nerves in feet?

Electrotherapy is a very valid method for treating the symptoms of neuropathy when applied correctly. For this reason, it is necessary for the person applying the therapy to be aware of the difference between TENS and EMS electrotherapy modalities.

TENS, or Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation, is a therapeutic technique focused on treatment at the nerve level, which makes it particularly effective for treating pain caused by nerve damage that characterizes neuropathy.

Among the main characteristics of TENS we can highlight the following:

• It works through the use of low intensity electric currents, ranging from 1 to 250 Hz.
• It focuses on pain relief at the nervous level.
• Its function is to numb the pain receptors located in the sensory branches of the peroneal nerve, which is predominant in the innervation of the leg and foot, and mainly affected by neuropathy.
• It is one of the most effective options for the treatment of neuropathy.

The focus of EMS, or Electrical Muscle Stimulation is very different, since its function is centered on physical conditioning rather than pain treatment and can be differentiated by the following characteristics.

• It applies currents with a higher base intensity, reaching a minimum of 70 Hz and up to 150 Hz.
• It focuses on muscle conditioning to increase strength, endurance and elasticity.
• Its impulses provoke contractions that favor the regeneration of muscle fibers.
• It is a technique widely used for recovery from muscle injuries.

For this reason, TENS is the best choice when it comes to the treatment of pain caused by peripheral neuropathy. This is because the main cause of pain related to this disorder is caused by nerve damage, which makes the electrical impulses of TENS therapy particularly effective in pain relief.

In contrast, the application of EMS therapy is counterproductive for the relief of pain caused by neuropathy, since its high-intensity electrical discharges generate contractions that can negatively stimulate the nerve endings of the peroneal nerve, causing an increase in the sensation of pain in the affected area.

Contraindications in the use of electrodes and electrotherapy