Neuropathy & Exercise

Oh my Chris...what I meant by that: I was told by two docs to “stay off my feet” which to me translated as, “don’t walk, don’t play, don’t do anything on my feet; sit or lay down, stay put, i.e., don’t walk.” Plus, I just cannot walk but a few steps till I cannot tolerate the pain anymore. I’m on the early-end of my journey w/ this condition with no “track record” yet.

You’ve worked hard to walk! In the short few days I’ve been on Connect have learned that walking is good.

You are not doing anything wrong—yikes no! Keep-on-keepin’-on with what’s working for you. All the Best!

I continue with exercise, both cardio/strength and others forms. I find yoga helps my legs very much and do 4-5 classes a week. I have no balance issues or gait involvement.

I find that exercise helps quell the pain (maybe it's because of "positive endorphins"?). If my meds are due at 2 pm and I'm in pain at 1 pm, I can go running on the beach for an hour and make it through. I also go to the gym every day - the least I do is one hour on the elliptical -- I like to stay in shape. Sometimes I take a class if there is one I like. Going into the jacuzzi at the gym helps my muscles relax, I do stretches in the the hot water. When I'm in Delaware, the gym here doesn't have a jacuzzi so I sometimes take a bath at home with epsom salts to relax muscles. Swimming is very gentle on the body but I dislike the chlorine in the pools and the ocean is too cold. I'm 68 years old. Peggy

Hello @whirleybirdie, welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect. I'm tagging our moderator @lisalucier to see if we should combine your post with the following discussion where you will receive more visibility and can meet other members with neuropathy that can share their thoughts and experiences on your question.

> Groups > Neuropathy > Living with Neuropathy - Welcome to the group
-- https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/living-with-neuropathy-welcome-to-the-group/

I have small fiber peripheral neuropathy in my legs and feet. Although I am unable to walk for long distances anymore I try to walk some every day and use an elliptical or recumbent bike for 30 minutes a day. I think you need to exercise as much as you can without over doing it -- especially if you are having pain in the feet or legs when you walk. Do you enjoy walking or is it hard for you? Are you able to share a little more about your neuropathy?

Is walking good for neuropathy in the legs and feet?

Absolutely it is, if you are able. Best thing is to keep moving with neuropathy. To the best of your ability.

As a matter of fact, I'll share my story...
First off ~ Happy New Year everyone!

My decision for 2020 is to make this my year of not being defeated. After 3 years of turmoil I'm praying it's the end and I can learn to live with and come to terms with what I have. Now, don't get me wrong, I will definitely get frustrated and have days when this theory flies out the window (and you folks will probably hear my sobs) however, as of today, this is my plan.

Back to excercise...I love to dance and my son is getting married in June. Because I don't get much mileage or ability from my legs I am working on my upper body dance moves while standing in place! I jam out every morning in my kitchen to Michael Jackson radio on Pandora. LOVE it! I can do it somehow and I will even if it kills me, to make the best day for my son and his wedding. No clue how I will get through the day, what shoes my feet can handle, how uncomfortable my body will endure this gorgeous dress I've picked, how my head and eyes will handle lights and sound and talking. No clue! But, in light of my new outlook...I will make it happen. I live with earplugs, blind folds, sunglasses, baseball hats and a plethora of drugs to help every inch of my body. 50 this year and I'm blessed to be alive despite my obstacles.

Keep moving, keep persisting, keep looking for ways to make life and pain manageable to the best of your ability.

Best wishes to all ~
Rachel

Faith and prayer have a lot to do with how we handle pain and lift our spirits. So many people are in worse shape than me and i thank the good Lord that I can handle it until he heals me. I sincerely believe this to be true. Have a blessed day and enjoy your son's wedding, he will be so proud of you. Keep yourself positive.

Thanks so much. Be well.

@rwinney Hi Rachel, I love what you wrote for the New Year. So inspiring. I am hoping that on the day of your son's wedding, happy endorphins for pain will release, adrenaline will pump, and you will just manage to enjoy! A good dose of CBD may help too. I love you dancing! I too, am a dancer, from way back in Disco days. I was damn good! Just know that we are here to support eachother, and know more than anyone, what our struggles are. Have a good New Year, Rachel. Keep those flowers coming. Lori Renee