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There are a popular class of antibiotics called Fluoroquinolones (FQ) that cause chronic, peripheral neuropathy in a small percentage of users. One of the symptoms is tendonitis and tendon ruptures in the arms, legs, and ankles (ankle neuropathy).
This condition is linked to one or more of these synergistic factors: males, over 60, renal disease, rheumatic disease, prescription of corticosteroids and physical activity. The risk is higher among transplant recipients over 60 who have taken the FQ antibiotics. There are also instances of FQ-associated disability (FQAD) that has appeared in groups of cancer patients who have been prescribed FQ drugs as antibiotic support medications.
- Numbness, tingling, prickling along knees, legs and ankles
- Achilles tendinitis, tendinosis
- Sharp, jabbing, throbbing, freezing or burning pain in tendons
- Sensitivity to touch
- Falling, tripping, poor balance
- Muscle weakness and paralysis if motor nerves are involved
- Neuropathy symptoms can also occur in arms
The long term success of Dr. Greenberg’s patients is attributed to a specialized approach to the examination process. Deemed “The Greenberg Method,” this diagnostic approach not only looks into the area of damage and pain, but also evaluates the mechanics and structure of the bone and joints related to the area of the pain. For instance, we examine the supportive structures of the ankle where the nerve travels which can also increase pressure across the sinus tarsi. In executing The Greenberg Method, Dr. Greenberg often discovers that conditions experienced in one area of the body are often rooted in a different area that hasn’t been treated before. While an isolated joint treatment ignores physiology and the evaluation of movement, The Greenberg Method’s full-body examination produces a comprehensive diagnosis and treatment plan. In return, the patient experiences a greater reduction in pain and improvement in function, which helps them get back on their feet to resume their daily routines, pain free.
Dr. Greenberg and his team will perform The Greenberg Method including a review of recent medications and most recent radiographs. They will carefully examine and palpate your foot, ankle, hip and sacrum to understand the status of your kinetic systems including your Achilles tendons and ligaments around the crown of the ankle which may also be damaged by the FQ-induced neuropathy.
If you are an appropriate candidate for The Greenberg Method, Dr. Greenberg will treat the neuropathy in your ankle joints, Achilles tendons and ligaments by administering the healing and synergistic cascade of Prolotherapy, Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) and Stem Cell Treatments. He will also include a comprehensive nutrient strategy to reverse the toxic effects of fluoroquinolones.
A typical treatment course may call for several injections performed every 3 weeks depending on the state of your neuropathy.
The Greenberg Method is an excellent choice for those who are suffering from FQ-induced neuropathy. TGM initiates healing processes that reverse nerve toxicity, and also regenerate damaged nerve, ligament and tendon systems. It is part of being a holistic therapeutic care provider. Our team treats the whole person, not just one condition or symptom. We work to renew you physically and improve your overall sense of wellness, both emotionally and physically.
If you or a loved one is looking for a new strategy to treat chronic aches and pains, fill out the form on this page to schedule an appointment or call Dr. Greenberg’s office today at 833-440-4325.
Fluoroquinolone toxicity symptoms in a patient presenting with low back pain; Strauchman, Morningstar; Clin Pract. 2012 Oct 12; 2(4): e87. Web Link:https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3981197/
Treatment of the Fluoroquinolone-Associated Disability: The Pathobiochemical Implications; Michalak, Sobolewska-Włodarczyk, Wozniak, Sobolewska, Sobolewski; Oxid Med Cell Longev. 2017; 2017: 8023935; Weblink:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5632915/
When Antibiotics Turn Toxic, Jo Marchant, Nature March 26, 2018 https://www.nature.com/articles/d41586-018-03267-5