Neuropathy is a Progressive Disease That Gets Worse Over Time

March 24, 2021

Recognizing the stages of neuropathy and acting quickly to seek treatment can mean the difference between returning to health and losing a limb. Peripheral Neuropathy, like many chronic conditions, worsens over time, and the progressive stages of neuropathy are not always easy to recognize.

Stage One: Initial Numbness & Pain

As peripheral neuropathy starts, numbness and pain becomes prevalent in your hands and feet. This may begin as prickling and tingling and then spread upwards to your arms and legs. Your balance may be off and your strength may seem reduced.

Stage Two: More Consistent Symptoms

As you progress to stage two, your neuropathy symptoms will become more continuous and constant. Your pain and numbness become more obvious and may negatively affect your sleeping and daily activities. At this stage many people make an appointment with their doctor to seek help. The nerve damage at this stage is starting to progress and if left untreated can become irreversible.

Stage Three: Pain Increases

Pain at this stage is almost every day, and can be present during most hours of the day. You’ve likely tried pain medication to manage your neuropathy symptoms and find that it’s not working. This is because of the nerve damage that has occurred. If you get a cut or bruise on your foot or hand it often takes a very long time to heal. Coordination and falling become a risk.

Stage Four: Continuous Numbness

Quality of life is greatly reduced at this stage. You may be on multiple prescriptions and/or over the counter medications with minimal or temporary relief. We often hear that Neurologists will continually increase prescription medication dosages as the numbness and pain continues to progress and worsen.

Stage Five: Loss of Feeling

Nerve damage is severe at this stage. You’re likely unable to walk or have great difficulty walking, driving, and completing simple tasks that require balance and coordination. If you get a cut on your foot you could be at risk for serious infection or amputation. If you haven’t already, you need to seek help to treat the underlying condition and try to regenerate the nerves in your feet and/or hands.

At Chronic Care of Richmond we have treated hundreds of patients who have faced severe pain, burning, numbness, tingling, and loss of feeling in their hands and feet due to peripheral neuropathy. Our treatment plan is intense and targeted, and does not require medications or surgery. We’ve treated many people who’ve been told they are in stage four or five and that there’s no hope for improvement. Reach out to us to learn more and attend our free online webinar which discusses the details of our treatment program and how you can get a consultation and nerve evaluation at our clinic.

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Exploring New Research on Regenerative Medicine for Joint Pain Relief

July 25, 2025

Regenerative medicine is transforming the landscape of pain management, offering new hope to those suffering from chronic discomfort and mobility issues. At Chronic Care of Richmond, we recognize the importance of staying at the forefront of these advances to provide our patients with innovative, effective, and non-invasive solutions. As ongoing studies continue to reveal the remarkable potential of regenerative therapies, let’s dive into the latest research and explore how these findings could shape the future of pain relief in Richmond and beyond. The Science Behind Regenerative Medicine Regenerative medicine harnesses the body’s natural healing processes to repair or replace damaged tissues and cells. Unlike traditional treatments that focus on symptom management, regenerative therapies target the underlying causes of pain, aiming to restore function and promote long-term healing. The most commonly researched regenerative approaches include platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy, regenerative cell treatments, and tissue engineering. PRP therapy utilizes a patient’s own blood, concentrating platelets and growth factors to accelerate tissue repair. Regenerative cell treatments, on the other hand, use specialized cells capable of developing into various tissue types, supporting the regeneration of cartilage, muscle, and more. Research has shown that these therapies can significantly improve outcomes for patients with musculoskeletal conditions, such as osteoarthritis and tendon injuries. Breakthrough Studies Shaping the Future of Joint Pain Relief Recent years have witnessed an explosion of research into regenerative medicine, with studies focusing on its efficacy, safety, and long-term benefits. In 2023, a clinical trial found that patients receiving PRP injections for knee osteoarthritis experienced notable improvements in pain scores and joint function compared to those receiving conventional therapies. These findings are particularly relevant for individuals seeking alternatives to surgery or long-term medication use. Another area of significant progress is the use of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) for chronic pain conditions. MSCs, derived from sources like bone marrow or adipose tissue, have shown promise in reducing inflammation and promoting tissue repair. A 2022 review reported that MSC therapy led to substantial pain reduction in patients with degenerative disc disease. These developments suggest a future where regenerative medicine may become a cornerstone of pain management strategies. How Regenerative Therapies Are Changing Patient Experiences For many residents of Richmond and the surrounding areas, chronic pain can impact every aspect of daily life. Whether it’s joint discomfort, bone on bone knee pain, hip pain, sciatica and back pain, or soft tissue injuries such as ACL and MCL tears, finding lasting relief often feels elusive. Regenerative therapies offer a patient-centered approach, focusing on individualized care and natural healing. Unlike invasive surgical procedures, regenerative treatments are typically performed in-office with minimal downtime, allowing patients to return to their routines quickly. At Chronic Care of Richmond, we have seen firsthand how these therapies can restore mobility, enhance quality of life, and reduce reliance on medication. Our commitment to evidence-based regenerative medicine means that we continually evaluate new research to ensure our patients receive the safest and most effective care available. The Questions of Safety, Longevity, and Effectiveness With any emerging therapy, safety and effectiveness are paramount concerns. Recent studies have consistently reported low rates of adverse reactions with PRP and regenerative cell therapies, especially when performed by qualified practitioners. These findings underscore the importance of choosing a reputable clinic with experienced providers. The longevity of pain relief from regenerative treatments is another topic of ongoing research. While individual results may vary, many patients experience months to years of improved function after a series of treatments. Ongoing studies are examining how to optimize dosing, delivery methods, and patient selection to further enhance outcomes. As the science evolves, so too do the protocols at clinics like Chronic Care of Richmond—ensuring that patients receive the most up-to-date and effective therapies. The Role of Richmond in Advancing Regenerative Medicine Richmond’s healthcare community is actively engaged in regenerative medicine research and application. Local providers and research institutions collaborate to bring clinical trials and cutting-edge therapies to area residents. By participating in national and international studies, clinics in Richmond contribute to the growing body of evidence supporting regenerative medicine’s role in pain relief. At Chronic Care of Richmond, we are proud to offer regenerative therapies backed by science and tailored to each patient’s needs. Our team stays informed about the latest medical literature and incorporates best practices to deliver care that is both innovative and compassionate. If you are interested in learning whether regenerative medicine may be right for you, feel free to schedule a consultation . Looking Ahead: The Next Frontier in Pain Management As research into regenerative medicine continues to expand, so too does its potential to revolutionize pain management. From improving patient outcomes to reducing healthcare costs and minimizing the need for invasive interventions, the future is bright for those seeking relief from chronic pain. Richmond is poised to be a leader in this exciting field, offering patients safe, effective, and science-driven solutions. If you want to stay updated on new developments in regenerative medicine for pain relief, follow our blog at Chronic Care of Richmond. We are committed to providing the community with accurate, timely, and actionable information to help you make informed decisions about your health. If you have questions about regenerative medicine or would like to explore your options for pain relief, reach out to the team at Chronic Care of Richmond. Discover how state-of-the-art therapies and compassionate care can help you reclaim your quality of life.