At Florida Senior Acupuncture, Crystal Stokes, AP, an experienced practitioner in acupuncture and Oriental medicine, leads the clinic’s specialized approach to managing and alleviating peripheral neuropathy. Her commitment to helping those with this condition find a real, sustainable relief is at the core of her practice.
What is Peripheral Neuropathy?
Peripheral neuropathy condition marked by nerve damage in the hands and feet- affects millions, especially as they age. It can cause symptoms ranging from tingling and numbness to burning pain or the unsettling sensation of walking on glass.
Often misunderstood and frequently dismissed, this condition can dramatically reduce the quality of life and leave sufferers feeling isolated and hopeless.
Peripheral neuropathy involves damage to the peripheral nerves-the network of nerves outside the brain and spinal cord.
It can present in many forms, including:
- Numbness or weakness
- Burning or tingling sensations
- The feeling of wearing tight gloves or socks
- Wet paint or cardboard-like sensations under the feet
Over time, the condition may progress, starting in the feet and moving up the legs, potentially affecting digestion, balance, or even breathing in severe cases.
Causes of Neuropathy:
While diabetes is the most common cause, other triggers include:
- Chemotherapy (known as chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy)
- Alcohol abuse
- chronic illnesses
- poor circulation or reduced vascular flow
Importantly, neuropathy can also occur without a clear underlying health issue, making individualized evaluation and care even more essential.
The Emotional and Physical Toll:
The impact of neuropathy extends beyond discomfort. Patients often struggle with basic activities like driving, walking, or even holding a glass. Loss of sensation increases the risk of injury and accidents, while the constant pain and limitations can lead to anxiety and depression.
At Florida Senior Acupuncture, Crystal understands the emotional weight of this condition and treats each patient with compassion and respect-never dismissing their symptoms or experience.
A Natural, Personalized Approach to Recovery:
Rather than masking symptoms with medication or accepting decline as inevitable, Crystal offers a Multi-modality, individualized care plan tailored to each patient’s specific needs.
Treatments may include:
- Acupuncture
- Nutritional and herbal support
- Circulatory therapies
- Nerve stimulation techniques
- Lifestyle and mobility coaching
Each new patient undergoes a comprehensive nerve function evaluation to determine the degree of damage and the appropriate course of treatment. While healing can require long-term commitment, many patients report significant improvements in sensation, balance, and overall well-being.
Real Results, Real Stories:
One such patient is Don, who had all but given up on enjoying his favorite pastimes. After starting treatment at Florida Senior Acupuncture, he’s now back to walking 18 holes of golf. He describes the clinic as “the most meaningful, helpful, effective, and comfortable place I’ve ever been treated with the only results I’ve received.”
Stories like Don’s are a testament to the healing power of personalized care-and Crystal’s unwavering belief that recovery is always possible.
Hope is Not Lost:
If you’ve been told there’s nothing you can do, or that you simply have to “live with it,” know this: there is hope. Crystal Stokes, AP, and her team are here to help you reclaim your independence, comfort, and quality of life.
“We are the hope you seek” -Crystal Stokes, AP
Don’t let peripheral neuropathy dictate your future. If your favorite activities have become out of reach, it’s time to take the first step toward healing.