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Looking to connect with people who have non-diabetic neuropathy
Neuropathy | Last Active: Jul 14 1:33pm | Replies (960)Comment receiving replies
Sketchers have always been my go to shoes until I started wearing the Xero shoes and then needed more cushion when walking any distance. I found that I like the convenience of the hands free OrthoFeet Shoes but they are a little more spendy.
I also have been taking supplements including R-Alpha Lipoic Acid since 2016 and do feel that they have slowed and possibly stopped the progression but don't know for sure. I shared my neuropathy journey in another discussion here - https://connect.mayoclinic.org/comment/310341/. The Foundation for Peripheral Neuropathy has a list of supplements that have been shown to help neuropathy in their complementary and alternative treatments document that might be helpful - https://www.foundationforpn.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/Complementary-and-Alternative-Treatments-Revised-2020-final.-1.pdf.
I may have to take a look at using a left and right cane like you mentioned. I have been thinking about a rollator type walker that supports your arms and helps keep you more upright when walking. One of my other issues besides neuropathy that makes walking difficult is the forward leaning when walking related to something like bent spine syndrome.
Have a great day!
John
Replies to "Sketchers have always been my go to shoes until I started wearing the Xero shoes and..."
John,
I’ll check out your earlier posts. I’ve thought about a rollerator also, but I’m trying to minimize any additional in and out of the car equipment effort, wherever possible. So for this, if standing erect during movement becomes an effort, I will revert to trekking poles first. However,sSomething that I’ve worked on, and is working somewhat OK forme, is to extend the length of my canes by a single notch, one notch at a time, until I am able to eventually stand somewhat erect. I then concentrate on looking straight ahead as I walk, striving to pick up my feet at least 1-2 inches off of the ground while concentrating on always touching down each advancing step heel first, then toe. Tripping most often occurs for me when I shuffle a step and/or touch down to the floor with a toe first.
Getting into the habit of doing this is difficult with one cane, where I tend to use the cane somewhat as a weight bearing device, than a balancing assist. With two canes, especially canes with palm rests, I am able to shift their use more towards a slower, but steadier, more deliberate, erectness. It’s much slower and it ain’t easy, but works in keeping me somewhat safer and more erect…
Connect
Yes!! It is so hard to remain upright and pay attention to your posture with neuropathy and almost any other kind of pain. Because of my back pain, I start out upright but 10 minutes into a walk, I am finding myself leaning more and more. We can only try to do our best! Thank you so much for all of the helpful information on neuropathy. I appreciate it very much and hope you are finding your days easier to get through as each passes.