Exercise question:

I'm also an overweight 66 year old guy with the exact same problem, exercise, or even walking makes my conditions worse and never better. I have to deal with osteoarthritis in my hips, knees, and lower back as well, so I have no desire to do any activities even though I know that I should.

Did you get your lumbar spine examined? I recently had a decompression surgery for severe lumbar stenosis. I also had a cyst removed. I am 57, 6’0” and weigh 200lbs. I wouldn’t say my numbness is totally gone, but it definitely has improved in only 4 months. The numbness is mostly in my big toes only now. I felt so good just 2 weeks after surgery that I went to the gym way too fast and screwed up my left SI joint. My right side sciatica is absolutely gone though. Don’t give up hope. I am back to working out without pain. I was up to 12 mph on 30 second sprints this week. I now have to get this SI joint fixed to get back on the baseball field. One step forward 2 steps back. Arghhh!

I'm 61 year old male with idiopathic peripheral neuropathy and burning in the soles of my feet for the last 11 years. I used to be an avid runner and cyclist but no longer because of the neuropathy. Short walks, grocery store trips, attending sporting events, etc all dreaded events that exacerbate the burning.

BUT, I can still exercise with modifications. I can still lift and stretch and for cardio, I swim. Swimming puts no pressure on the feet and can still provide a good cardio work out.

Don't give up. Try different things until you find something that works for you. Don't let this disease win!

Doug

Perhaps trying different exercises might lead to finding something that does not cause increased symptoms? Yoga (milder forms), swimming, pilates, stretching, a recumbent exercise bike? Maybe starting with very gentle types of movement could help, with no impact involved. Many gyms have recumbent cardio machines that are very gentle and are even milder than recumbent bikes (sorry I can't recall the brand name of those at the moment). Even strength training with 1 or 2 pound weights, or light bands, could be a place to start. If you can get back into something milder, it might lead to improvements over time so you might be able to progress to more of the things you used to enjoy. Another option for now could be focusing on upper body movements only. For example there are cardio machines that are like "bikes" but only use the upper body. Or strength training, still light, with upper body only.

I’ll be 82 next month & I’ve had PN for 17 years I ride an E-BIKE about 30 miles 3 or 4 days a week & do PT 2 days a week for balance & strength. My feet are still numb & stiff but not nearly as bad if I didn’t exercise. It also gives me much more confidence to get through each day. Also, for pain I take 4.5 mg of LDN-low dose naltrexone which really works well.

Perhaps you should try some weight loss before undertaking moderate exercise. I know it is probably not easy to lose weight. I have the opposite problem--I would like to gain several pounds--I weigh around 98 and would like to get to 105. I am doing a daily TV exercise program plus physical therapy. My neuropathy is related to my gluten intolerance--so no wheat or barley for me. My EMG test revealed some nerve damage but since going gluten-free, I barely notice my neuropathy. Be patient with yourself in all your endeavors whether it be exercise, diet, etc. Also, try to be positive--you can make this work.

@ohiodoug
I agree on the exercise for PN, spinal stenosis etc. I use a recumbent eliptical which has a seat and back for 30 minutes 4X a week at the “Y”. Have to keep moving, safely.

@arflmi33 These are the same things I was going to suggest. Due to spinal stenosis and side effects of chemo, my left leg and my left foot are partially to completely numb. Light exercise not only helps me feel better, but it also helps make both my leg and foot discomfort more tolerable. Nothing is going to make that numbness go away but I will take tolerable. I am nearly 75 and have only been dealing with this for roughly 5 to 6 years. I am not ready to throw in the towel.

Generally what is recommended is ‘gentle exercise’, with care not to overdo it, and getting to know your body and what it can handle. Have you tried exercising in a warm water pool?

I am 95 and exercise every morning and it helps with my neuropathy. I have been fighting this for around seven years. My feet are numb but my circulation is good. Here lately I have had a lot of pain going down the sides of my legs so they thing it is coming from my back so have appointment to get a shot in my back I hope that will help.