1. < Neuropathy

Driving with Numb Feet.

Posted by davidpn @davidpn, Jul 25, 2023

Over the past year the numbness in my feet has increased and at times I find my foot slipping off the brake. I’ve kept my driving to less than 2 miles and this might occur about once per drive.

My license is due for renewal and the medical form filled out three years ago (numbness not as bad) is due to be resubmitted. I can’t lie to doctors and pretend everything is okay but I do have a question.

Can any one recommend a shoe, currently using skechers which has helped with walking, that might help this problem.

Thanks much.

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mrmacabre | @mrmacabre | Mar 18 1:23pm
In reply to @heisenberg34 "I hear you. I can no longer drive without extensive pain. My wife does the majority..." + (show)
@heisenberg34

I hear you. I can no longer drive without extensive pain. My wife does the majority of the driving now. Even with her driving, I find it difficult to travel more than about an hour away. Limits our traveling pretty much. I will likely have to get a mobility scooter before too long so I can at least navigate longer "walks". We enjoy Longwood Gardens but I can no longer navigate the 1000+ acres on foot. I have to rent a scooter there. It's always a blessing to see the beautiful flowers and displays.

Jump to this post

Sounds familiar, I have to use one of the powered shopping carts whenever we go grocery shopping now because I can no longer stand on my feet for very long. I used to be able to lean on the shopping cart and get away without having to resort to using one, but not any more.
It's almost embarrassing, I'm only 66, but my feet, knees, and hips make something as simple as walking, and now driving very difficult.
My wife and I like to go to a couple of local car shows every summer with some friends of ours, which means lots of walking on a hard surface. Last year I was able to manage with my walking stick to help with my balance issues, but I have no idea what I'm going to do. We've only got a few months to figure out if I can even go this year.

REPLY
1 reply
harley22 | @harley22 | Mar 18 1:47pm
In reply to @cheyne "Hi, What type of gearbox is fitted and do you normally use both feet when driving?..." + (show)
@cheyne

Hi,
What type of gearbox is fitted and do you normally use both feet when driving?
I have gone to a double clutch semi autonomous vehicle which stops the vehicle when I gets too close to the one infront, at city speeds.
For automatic gearboxes plant your left foot on the foot rest besides the brake pedal and keep it firmly planted there. I have a velco loop fitted over the foot rest to slip my left foot into, keeping it there. Now use the right foot only to operate both accelerator or brake as needed. When stationary take the gearbox out of drive and use the park brake to prevent rolling, retuning the right foot to the accelerator position. I tend to use the side wall or tunnel of the vehicle, LHD or RHD, to slide my foot down onto the accelerator. This way you get used to the right foot always being at the accelorator position and it becomes second nature, the right foot has no option but to stay where it is.
When the neuropathy starts to become a problem in both feet, maybe look into hand controls being fitted.
Cheers

Jump to this post

Your system sounds like it’s worki

REPLY
harley22 | @harley22 | Mar 18 2:05pm
In reply to @cheyne "Hi, What type of gearbox is fitted and do you normally use both feet when driving?..." + (show)
@cheyne

Hi,
What type of gearbox is fitted and do you normally use both feet when driving?
I have gone to a double clutch semi autonomous vehicle which stops the vehicle when I gets too close to the one infront, at city speeds.
For automatic gearboxes plant your left foot on the foot rest besides the brake pedal and keep it firmly planted there. I have a velco loop fitted over the foot rest to slip my left foot into, keeping it there. Now use the right foot only to operate both accelerator or brake as needed. When stationary take the gearbox out of drive and use the park brake to prevent rolling, retuning the right foot to the accelerator position. I tend to use the side wall or tunnel of the vehicle, LHD or RHD, to slide my foot down onto the accelerator. This way you get used to the right foot always being at the accelorator position and it becomes second nature, the right foot has no option but to stay where it is.
When the neuropathy starts to become a problem in both feet, maybe look into hand controls being fitted.
Cheers

Jump to this post

Your system wouldn’t work for me,I can’t feel my feet at all.
My system involves my hands to navigate my car.
The handle I use to accelerate, etc involves using my right hand to pull it forward to stop, backwards to accelerate
Steering is with a knob on my steering wheel to turn and steer the car.
There’s a plate covering my gas and brake pedal,so I don’t step on them while I’m driving by mistake.
I had this system installed when I was living in Florida.
I just googled mobility systems companies that are available for cars,and they guided me along.
I did need an order from my doctor to them.
Good luck to you and I hope your feet don’t get totally numb like mine.

REPLY
bamaanswerseeker | @bamaanswerseeker | Mar 18 3:18pm
In reply to @bamaanswerseeker "I have numbness down side of my right leg, centering around the ankle & extending to..." + (show)
@bamaanswerseeker

I have numbness down side of my right leg, centering around the ankle & extending to bottom 1/3 of the foot. I have been diagnosed with some compression of L5-S1. The reason I went to MD was this NEAR miss auto accident. Instead of hitting the brake when the car before me stopped, my foot had 'traveled' to hover over the accelerator & when I pressed the "brake" down to stop my car-it shot forward. Thankfully left lane was open & I steered into that lane. This happened one more time but I had begun putting my car into park every time I stopped so all that happened was my car's engine roared like my car was on the NASCAR starting line & the flag just waved. But every time I talked to the Neuro/orthopedic about these incidents-concerns, questioning what was going on & what can I do to resolve it, I could see a mental shrug -and no one had any comment regarding possible reason or advice to correct. When I read others talking about their problems -then read several articles about results of Clinical Research & driving with diabetic peripheral neuropathy linked, I wanted to sob. When I continue seeking more info & answers & discovered written material about spine compression, peripheral neuropathy & problems driving because their foot had "traveled' over the pedals - I did sob. To me it was confirmation I wasn't crazy! Any advice about how to resolve or any shared experience would be greatly appreciated. I have felt like I was stranded on an island, seeing nothing but water then suddenly I seeing a boat. Thank you for your time reading. Wishing all the very best.

Jump to this post

Thank you so much. I needed a hug. For months doctors got a vague look when I discussed this, and one said this was easy, just put the car into drive when I stop at redlight or have to pause - and went on to focus on disc in my back, another just skipped over it as if I never raised the issue. Your virtual hug means the world to me. Again, my thanks.

REPLY
bamaanswerseeker | @bamaanswerseeker | Mar 18 3:19pm
In reply to @JustinMcClanahan "Hi @bamaanswerseeker, I moved your discussion and combined it with an existing discussion titled: "Driving with..." + (show)
@JustinMcClanahan

Hi @bamaanswerseeker,

I moved your discussion and combined it with an existing discussion titled:

"Driving with Numb Feet."
- https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/driving-with-numb-feet-f/

Although it is a lengthy discussion, it has many members who shared their experiences with driving issues and neuropathy. @rivermaya34, @davidpn, @johnbishop and @rkjb1951 all shared their frustrations and what they have tried in regards to driving and their neuropathy.

Jump to this post

Thank you so much. Sorry to have posted in the wrong place & I do appreciate your correction.

REPLY
bamaanswerseeker | @bamaanswerseeker | Mar 18 3:25pm
In reply to @linda6101 "You need to find a good orthopedic team at a reputable hospital. Gabapentin may help." + (show)
@linda6101

You need to find a good orthopedic team at a reputable hospital.
Gabapentin may help.

Jump to this post

Thank you for that suggestion. I will check into it. One of the problems here, and this may apply many other places as well, but few specialists are available in my vicinity. Appointments take several months, then tests another several months then return to clinic months more waiting. Again thank you for this suggestion.

REPLY
1 reply
bamaanswerseeker | @bamaanswerseeker | Mar 18 3:30pm
In reply to @mrmacabre "Sounds familiar, I have to use one of the powered shopping carts whenever we go grocery..." + (show)
@mrmacabre

Sounds familiar, I have to use one of the powered shopping carts whenever we go grocery shopping now because I can no longer stand on my feet for very long. I used to be able to lean on the shopping cart and get away without having to resort to using one, but not any more.
It's almost embarrassing, I'm only 66, but my feet, knees, and hips make something as simple as walking, and now driving very difficult.
My wife and I like to go to a couple of local car shows every summer with some friends of ours, which means lots of walking on a hard surface. Last year I was able to manage with my walking stick to help with my balance issues, but I have no idea what I'm going to do. We've only got a few months to figure out if I can even go this year.

Jump to this post

I hate you have this difficulty doing what you love. I hope you find a way to go and have this experience. I hope you find the method that will work for you.

REPLY
crabber80 | @crabber80 | Mar 18 5:53pm
In reply to @bamaanswerseeker "I have numbness down side of my right leg, centering around the ankle & extending to..." + (show)
@bamaanswerseeker

I have numbness down side of my right leg, centering around the ankle & extending to bottom 1/3 of the foot. I have been diagnosed with some compression of L5-S1. The reason I went to MD was this NEAR miss auto accident. Instead of hitting the brake when the car before me stopped, my foot had 'traveled' to hover over the accelerator & when I pressed the "brake" down to stop my car-it shot forward. Thankfully left lane was open & I steered into that lane. This happened one more time but I had begun putting my car into park every time I stopped so all that happened was my car's engine roared like my car was on the NASCAR starting line & the flag just waved. But every time I talked to the Neuro/orthopedic about these incidents-concerns, questioning what was going on & what can I do to resolve it, I could see a mental shrug -and no one had any comment regarding possible reason or advice to correct. When I read others talking about their problems -then read several articles about results of Clinical Research & driving with diabetic peripheral neuropathy linked, I wanted to sob. When I continue seeking more info & answers & discovered written material about spine compression, peripheral neuropathy & problems driving because their foot had "traveled' over the pedals - I did sob. To me it was confirmation I wasn't crazy! Any advice about how to resolve or any shared experience would be greatly appreciated. I have felt like I was stranded on an island, seeing nothing but water then suddenly I seeing a boat. Thank you for your time reading. Wishing all the very best.

Jump to this post

I recently had similar experiences following my lumbar surgery combined with my existing peripheral neuropathy. I went to physical therapy for 3 months in hopes of being able to drive again. Thankfully the P/T gave me back my ability to drive. Had that not been the case, I had already accepted it mentally & was looking in to retrofitting my car with hand controls rather that being stuck at home. I've had neuropathy 15 + years and now on my 3rd neurologist. I'm convinced after asking many questions that too little is know on the subject other than prescribe Gabapentin or Lyrica & tell you to come back in 3-6-9-12 months. All of which have provided no relief. Good luck !! I'm now at the point that I'm on pain pains constantly following my second laminectomy. They wanted me to have a spinal stimulator put in, but hell no to that. I have 3 acquaintances that would never agree to it if they had it to do over. At soon to be 81 years old, I'll just stick with the pain pills.

REPLY
solobeee1 | @solobeee1 | Mar 19 8:42am

My foot slipped too far to the left when attempting to break & I avoided the car in front of me only because there was no car on my left so I swerved & avoided a crash!
I am pursuing a break pedal cover that is wider & I might have found it. Check this out on Amazon:
https://a.co/d/e1v3Brd
REPLY
kathyv66 | @kathyv66 | Mar 19 9:03am
In reply to @JustinMcClanahan "Hi @bamaanswerseeker, I moved your discussion and combined it with an existing discussion titled: "Driving with..." + (show)
@JustinMcClanahan

Hi @bamaanswerseeker,

I moved your discussion and combined it with an existing discussion titled:

"Driving with Numb Feet."
- https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/driving-with-numb-feet-f/

Although it is a lengthy discussion, it has many members who shared their experiences with driving issues and neuropathy. @rivermaya34, @davidpn, @johnbishop and @rkjb1951 all shared their frustrations and what they have tried in regards to driving and their neuropathy.

Jump to this post

I have found barefoot or "zero-drop" shoes help. They have a relatively thin sole, wide toe box with soft uppers and no heel. The theory is they mimic walking barefoot and force you to use the muscles in your feet - waking them up a bit. I still have numbness but it has improved a bit and my balance is better.

REPLY
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