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

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 E3 model from OMRON is a TENS electrostimulator of compact size and great power, designed to be portable and used to relieve pain caused by exhaustion, injuries or diseases such as sciatica or neuropathy. This device uses TENS stimulation technology, proven and widely used by physiotherapists for its ability to relieve any type of pain.

It has a wide variety of pre-programmed modes of use designed to treat a wide range of ailments. Its compact size makes it incredibly convenient to carry wherever you want, and its specialized long-lasting electrodes can be washed and reused up to 150 times. The purchased package contains 1 OMRON E3 electrostimulator, 1 electrode cable and 1 long-lasting pad.

Dioche has available to the public one of the best TENS machines on the market, which stands out for its ease of use, versatility and portability. You can use it to relieve pain caused by various causes, from neuropathies and arthritis to injuries and muscle contractures.

One of its best features is the presence of a laser line for the nose that will allow you to treat rhinitis symptoms effectively, improving your health conditions considerably. The dual channel function of this rechargeable mini TENS machine allows you to treat multiple parts of the body simultaneously, bringing benefits such as improved circulation, reduced pain and accelerated metabolism.

The Med-Fit TENS unit is presented as the most viable and sophisticated option for the treatment of ailments of any kind, thanks to its innovative dual-channel function that allows you to treat the symptoms of diseases such as sciatica, arthritis, and muscle injuries in different areas of the body simultaneously.

Its electrostimulation method allows you to relieve chronic ailments through the application of mild electrical stimuli that inhibit pain signals and stimulate the production of endorphins. The best results are obtained when using this unit for 60 to 90 minutes. The use of this device is widely recommended because it does not interfere with any medical treatment and is completely safe.

The physiotherapy brand Beurer offers its users one of the most versatile electrostimulation devices that can be found on the market. This is the Beurer EM49, which contains an incredible 3-in-1 function that allows you to apply therapeutic massage, muscle stimulation and nerve stimulation, providing a completely different level of relief to its users with its more than 70 programs and 50 levels of intensity.

This powerful electro-stimulator offers immediate relief for almost any type of ailment using stimulation methods that stimulate the production of natural analgesic agents within the body. It also works as an effective methods to accelerate muscle growth and regeneration, making it one of the most complete and versatile electrostimulation units on the market.

Twenty intensity levels can be selected independently for each output to meet different massage needs, whether for leisure or sport. Two independent channels control the electrode pairs, so that two channels of the electric massager can be used simultaneously on different parts of the body. Includes high quality adhesive electrodes (replacement electrodes sold separately)

This combination device is ideal for pain relief and can also be used as a massager to relieve persistent tension. It is a non-pharmacological alternative to relieve pain and tension for people suffering from muscular, chronic, nerve and even some acute pain. For those who wish to tone and firm their muscles, the EMS mode of the device stimulates the muscles and improves their performance. For sedentary people, the device promotes local blood circulation.

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 Fit 1.0 electrostimulation device is a massage unit designed to apply electrical impulses on different muscle groups, promoting the regeneration of muscle fibers, toning and strength. It allows you to define muscles of the abdomen, arms, shoulders, back and legs, thanks to its application of EMS technology through its 4 channels.

In addition, it has a TENS massage mode with which you can treat acute and chronic ailments caused by various conditions. It has 10 modes of use: 1 for pain treatment, 1 for physical rehabilitation, and 8 physical training programs. All these features make it the number one choice for increasing physical performance in a completely natural way.

The TechCare mini massager is one of the best and most practical tools to deal with acute and chronic ailments safely and without the use of medication. It is a device that combines TENS and EMS massage functions, applying low voltage electrical impulses to effectively block pain signals, as well as increase the natural production of endorphins, a natural painkiller.

It features 10 pre-programmed massage modes and 20 intensity levels that target different types of ailments and injuries. It has a session timer function that allows you to adjust the duration of the sessions and has a lithium battery that allows you to apply therapy for more than 20 consecutive hours.

The physiotherapy brand Beurer offers its users one of the most versatile electrostimulation devices that can be found on the market. It is the Beurer EM59, which contains an incredible 4-in-1 function that allows you to apply therapeutic massage, muscle stimulation, nerve stimulation and heat therapy, providing a completely different level of relief to its users with its more than 70 programs and 50 intensity levels.

This powerful electrostimulation equipment offers immediate relief for almost any type of ailment using stimulation methods that stimulate the production of natural pain relieving agents within the body. It also works as an effective methods to accelerate muscle growth and regeneration, while combining with heat therapy to provide one of the most complete treatments you will find.

The PowerDot 2.0 is an intelligent electrical stimulation electrode that will allow you to apply TENS and EMS current shocks for both pain treatment and conditioning of different muscle groups. It includes more than 400 customised programmes that can be easily managed with the mobile app available for both Android and iOS.

The simple interface of the PowerDot app will guide you through everything you need to know to operate the electrodes efficiently. The purchase package includes 2 pre-loaded pods, 2 sets of electrodes with corresponding pads, 2 sets of cables and 2 micro USB charging cables, along with a carrying case so you can take your electrodes with you wherever you go.

The Health Mate Forever brand has one of the most advanced electro stimulator models available on the market, with 4-channel function and 15 modes of use that you can apply to various parts of the body simultaneously. Maximizing the efficiency of your workouts. Its simple and easy to understand design allows anyone to use it, and makes it much easier for you to program your sessions.

It also has a session timer that allows you to control the duration of the therapies. You will be able to set the time of each session in an interval between 10 and 80 minutes. The package includes 1 electro stimulator, 4 sets of guide wires, 4 pairs of electrodes, 1 electrode case, 3 AAA batteries, 1 pad positioning guide and 1 user manual.

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