For many Americans, living with neuropathy is one of the greatest challenges they face. Present in about 8% of people around the world, neuropathy - or peripheral neuropathy, to be more accurate - can affect anybody. In the United States alone, there are more than 40 million people with neuropathy, with health costs surpassing $4 billion each year. Approximately 10% of people over 40 years of age get neuropathy, as do 50% of diabetics and 20% of patients receiving cancer chemotherapy. In fact, the number of people with neuropathy is only increasing as diabetes becomes more common, the population ages and people with HIV/AIDS live longer.
While some patients have a higher risk of developing specific types of peripheral neuropathy, it does not discriminate between race, sex, age, personal circumstances, or medical history. Fortunately, neuropathy awareness is growing, and by proxy, so are new treatment options. If you've been suffering from the symptoms of neuropathy and are in search of a solution, Kennedy Health Clinic can help with our doctors preferred treatment for neuropathy in legs and feet in Brandywine, DE. From advanced therapies to state-of-the-art technology, we utilize the latest advancements in pain management to help you regain your quality of life.
But to truly understand how neuropathy treatment can help, it's important to first understand the disease and how it affects your nervous system.
Peripheral neuropathy is a term used to describe nerve disorders that affect a specific part of your nervous system. There are several conditions that can lead to peripheral neuropathy, resulting in a variety of symptoms. The symptoms and the body parts affected by peripheral neuropathy depend on the underlying cause.
Peripheral neuropathy can manifest in a variety of ways. It has the potential to impact a single nerve, a group of related nerves, or numerous nerves in several areas of the body. The specific symptoms will vary based on which type of nerve signals are affected, and it is possible for multiple signal types to be involved.
Symptom types include the following:
Now that we've covered some of the most difficult symptoms to live with when you have neuropathy, you're probably wondering how Kennedy Health Clinic can help. Before recommending treatment, your neuropathy doctor will suggest one or more diagnostic tests for a full-body analysis. Doing so will help our team provide better neuropathy treatment for both short and long-term needs.
People living with neuropathy have to deal with difficulties that most men and women in America don't ever think about. It's understandable, then, that they may become tired and even depressed because of their condition. That's where Kennedy Health Clinic steps in - to provide advanced neuropathy treatments and, ultimately, enhanced quality of life.
At Kennedy Health Clinic, we're dedicated to improving the overall health and well-being of our patients. We offer effective pain management treatments and holistic healing options to provide comprehensive care. Our commitment to our patients has made us a trusted partner in health and wellness - and we're ready to help you, too.
If you're suffering from nerve pain or other symptoms due to neuropathy, it's time to seek professional help. Our advanced neuropathy treatments are tailored to your body, your health needs, and your neuropathy goals. That way, we can give you the most effective and efficient care possible. When you trust our team of knowledgeable doctors, you're taking the first step toward a normal life without the painful surprises caused by neuropathy. Contact our office today to get started.
Peripheral neuropathy is a term used to describe nerve disorders that affect a specific part of your nervous system. There are several conditions that can lead to peripheral neuropathy, resulting in a variety of symptoms. The symptoms and the body parts affected by peripheral neuropathy depend on the underlying cause.
The nervous system in the human body is divided into two parts - the central nervous system and the peripheral nervous system. The central nervous system comprises the brain and spinal cord, while the peripheral nervous system includes all other nerves present in the body. That includes those that travel from the spinal cord and brain to supply the face and other parts of the body.
Whenever there is any condition that affects the peripheral nerves, it is referred to as peripheral neuropathy. Healthcare providers often use the terms "neuropathy" and "polyneuropathy" interchangeably with "peripheral neuropathy." It is important to note that peripheral nerves, being the farthest from the central nervous system, tend to show the earliest and most severe effects of these conditions.
In order to comprehend the impact of peripheral neuropathy on your body, it's useful to have some knowledge about neurons - a crucial type of cell that forms your nerves. These neurons utilize electrical and chemical signals to transmit and relay messages throughout your nervous system. Each neuron in your body is made up of the following:
A cell body is the primary part of a cell.
An axon is a long, arm-like projection that extends from the cell body of a neuron. At the end of the axon, there are several finger-like extensions called synapses, which convert the electrical signal in the neuron into a chemical signal. These synapses then transmit the signal to other nearby nerve cells.
Dendrites are small, tree-like extensions on the cell body that receive chemical signals from nearby neurons' synapses.
This is a protective covering made up of thin, fatty chemical compounds that surround the axon of many neurons.
The development of peripheral neuropathy and how long it takes depends on its underlying cause. If the cause is an injury, it can develop instantly or within a few hours. However, some forms of peripheral neuropathy caused by toxins or inflammation may develop rapidly over days or weeks. In contrast, most other conditions that cause peripheral neuropathy take months, years, or even decades to develop. Regardless of the cause, modern advances in medicine give patients hope for recovery, using doctors preferred treatment for neuropathy in legs and feet in Brandywine, DE.
The peripheral nervous system in your body carries motor signals that originate in your brain and are sent to your muscles. These signals allow you to move around and carry out various physical activities. For your muscles to remain healthy and function properly, they require nerve connections to the brain. Some motor symptoms include:
Nerve connection loss causes your muscles to weaken and shrink. With peripheral neuropathy, this happens most often in your lower legs, feet, and hands. Occasionally, patients will experience deformities in their hands and feet due to muscle loss.
Muscle weakening is a common issue caused by nerve deterioration from peripheral neuropathy. This condition can result in paralysis, making it difficult to move toes or causing foot drop and hand weakness. Additionally, it can also affect muscles in other areas of the body, such as the thighs and arms.
When nerves lose a connection to your brain because of your neuropathy, they can become hyperactive, resulting in uncontrolled muscle movements and cramps.
Did you know that your body has several processes that happen automatically without your conscious effort? These automatic functions are known as autonomic processes, and they include things like sweating, digestion, and blood pressure control. Autonomic nerve fibers are responsible for carrying signals for these automatic processes. However, disruptions in these signals can cause your body's automatic processes to malfunction. Some of these processes may work intermittently, while others may not work at all.
Some autonomic symptoms of neuropathy include:
People living with neuropathy have to deal with difficulties that most men and women in America don't ever think about. It's understandable, then, that they may become tired and even depressed because of their condition. That's where Kennedy Health Clinic steps in - to provide advanced neuropathy treatments and, ultimately, enhanced quality of life.
Some of our most popular neuropathy treatments include:
This device is designed to improve blood and oxygen flow, which in turn promotes optimal nerve and nervous system functionality. As a result of the healthy, oxygenated blood, damaged or weak nerve endings receive a rejuvenating boost, which may be experienced as a slight tingling sensation.
Did you know that infrared lights have amazing benefits for our bodies? They can help repair cells and improve the circulation of oxygen-rich blood, which in turn promotes faster healing of deep tissues and relieves pain.
For individuals dealing with diabetic neuropathy, the primary objective is to either reverse diabetes or decelerate its progression. Functional medicine involves incorporating lifestyle modifications to maintain blood sugar levels consistently at a healthy range, which all but eliminates diabetes. Choosing functional medicine recommendations is almost always preferred over invasive and more complicated treatments, and our team is here to help you get started.
Our providers may suggest advanced cellular therapy as a final option for those who have tried other treatments without success and are suitable candidates. This therapy can assist in improving the healing and treatment process of individuals who are experiencing neuropathy.
Living a life free of neuropathy symptoms doesn't have to be a pipe dream - it can be an achievable goal with the help of our advanced neuropathy therapies. Contact Kennedy Health Clinic today to schedule your free initial consultation. Before you know it, you'll be well on your way to long-term recovery and pain relief.
Halloween celebrations are filled with plenty of tricks and treats, and while horror-filled fun comes with the season, it may not be suitable for everyone.Whether you have small kiddos in tow or want something a bit tamer, here are some Halloween celebrations around the state that are perfect for family outings and children of all ages.Boo at the Zoo, Wilmington Brandywine Zoo hosts its annual Boo at the Zoo event from Friday, Oct. 18, to Sunday, Oct. 20 this year.The event runs from 10 a.m. to 3 ...
Halloween celebrations are filled with plenty of tricks and treats, and while horror-filled fun comes with the season, it may not be suitable for everyone.
Whether you have small kiddos in tow or want something a bit tamer, here are some Halloween celebrations around the state that are perfect for family outings and children of all ages.
Brandywine Zoo hosts its annual Boo at the Zoo event from Friday, Oct. 18, to Sunday, Oct. 20 this year.
The event runs from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and is a three-day trick-or-treat party. The zoo will be decorated for the event, and guests are encouraged to wear costumes. That means you, too, parents.
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And, of course, the zoo’s animals will be present for all the fun.
Member tickets cost $4, and nonmember tickets cost $8. Kids under age 3 get in for free. Purchase your tickets at the door or online at brandywinezoo.org/booatthezoo.
1001 N. Park Drive, Wilmington, (302) 571-7788;brandywinezoo.org
Delaware State Parks offers Halloween wagon rides around Bellevue State Park on Saturday, Oct. 26 at 3 p.m.
Guests are invited to wear their best costumes for a ride around the Bellevue grounds, followed by hanging out at the campfire for an hour. Attendees are encouraged to bring their own food and drinks to enjoy, as food will not be provided.
Parking is available at the Arts Center, where guests will sign in.
800 Carr Road, near Wilmington, (302) 761-6963;destateparks.com/Hayrides
If you don’t know what the Sea Witch Festival is, Rehoboth Beach prefaces the event with the following eerie blurb:
“Not all witches hang out in caves with their cauldrons; sometimes they have a strong affinity for the wide-open sea.”
In short, it’s to celebrate the lore of the alternative mermaid mentioned above.
This year’s festival runs from 8 a.m. on Friday, Oct. 25, to 8 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 27. It includes a haunted bonfire, hayrides, a pet-friendly costume parade with nautical floats, a broom-tossing competition and a lantern-lit story time that tells the “true tale” of a ship that sank off the coast of Delaware in 1785.
Oh, and apparently, ghosts will be in attendance ...
The event takes place at multiple locations, including 224 Rehoboth Ave. in Rehoboth.
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Instead of trick-or-treating at home, check out Winterthur’s Tram & Treat this year.
The locations is asking guests to dress in their Halloween best on Saturday, Oct. 26, for a day of trick-or-treating in the garden from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Crafts, music and games will be available, too.
The event is included with admission and is free for members. It is a drop-in event, but guests may register in advance.
5105 Kennett Pike, Winterthur, (302) 888-4600 or (800) 448-3883;winterthur.org
The Kalmar Nyckel Foundation Shipyard is hosting its sixth annual Halloween Ghost Ship event on Saturday, Oct. 19, from noon to 4 p.m.
Attendees are invited to wear their favorite Halloween costumes for a tour and a costume parade. The tour inside the Copeland Maritime Center will feature “spooky fun” for guests of all ages on the foundation’s indoor ship and exhibits. Tours of the 141-foot-long Tall Ship of Delaware also will be running, along with Halloween-themed crafts, outdoor pumpkin painting, face painting, a food truck, water and snacks.
1124 E. Seventh St., Wilmington, (302) 429-7447; kalmarnyckel.org.
While Frightland is known for being scary, you don’t have to walk through the haunted attractions if you don’t want to.
Frightland offers an Unlimited Rides bracelet, which grants guests access to only the carnival attractions.
This is a great option if you have children in different age groups. Smaller children can enjoy the carnival rides while the big kids make their way through the haunts. Meet up at the end to indulge in carnival foods and games before heading home.
309 Port Penn Road, near Middletown;frightland.com
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Newark is back again with its annual Halloween Parade and Trick or Treat Main Street on Sunday Oct. 27, from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. this year.
The day includes marching bands, floats, costumed characters, antique automobiles, and of course plenty of candy for the little ones. And that’s not even all that’s in store.
The parade begins at Tyre Avenue and Main Street and continues west on Main Street to College Avenue.
Visit newarkde.gov or call (302) 366-7000 for more information.
Redemption Treatment Center in Prices Corner is hosting its Halloween Market on Oct. 26 from noon to 3 p.m.
The market will feature a variety of vendors, including Starfall Witchery, Cherished Crystal Treasures, Wicked Dot Art and a psychic medium. Food and music will be provided by Flavor D-Lish, Sweet T’s Snacks and BOOT. Proceeds from a 50/50 raffle will directly support Redemption ATC and Novak’s House Sober Living.
The event is open to people of all ages (pets, too!), and guests are encouraged to come in costume. Each vendor table will have treats for children.
1819 Newport Road, Prices Corner, (302) 485-7278;redemptionaddictiontreatmentcenter.com
Kids can wear their Halloween costumes and trick-or-treat with storybook characters along a trail lined with jack-o-lanterns at Seaside Nature Center at Cape Henlopen State Park. Live entertainment can be enjoyed afterward.
Admission for Children's Fantasy Trail is $6 per person for adults and children. Pets are not allowed.
The event is on Oct. 25 and Oct. 26 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., and on Oct. 27 from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
15099 Cape Henlopen Drive, Lewes, (302) 645-6852; leweschamber.com/event/childrens-fantasy-trail/.
On the Halloween Express, legend has it that the friendly railroad witch visits all the children in attendance on this 1½-hour round-trip ride to the Mt. Cuba Picnic Grove. The train, powered by an antique steam locomotive, will stop for a 30-minute layover at the grove.
The Halloween Express is scheduled for Sunday, Oct. 27, at 12:30 and 2:30 p.m.
All passengers ride for $10 if they are in costume. If you are not in costume, tickets are $20 for adults, $19 for seniors ages 60 and up and $18 for children ages 2 to 12. Children younger than 2 always ride for free.
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Reservations are recommended. Information about large group options and private cars can be found on the event page at www.wwrr.com/ride/events/halloween.aspx.
Greenbank Station: 2201 Newport Gap Pike, Prices Corner;www.wwrr.com
(This story has been updated to add new information and to correct some locations.)
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