1. < Neuropathy

Neuropathy & Exercise

Posted by southwind @southwind, Nov 13, 2019

How have you received enough physical exercise while dealing with neuropathy?? Do you walk in spite of the condition; tiptoe to get around; particular exercise program, etc.?

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Neuropathy Support Group.

Mentor
John, Volunteer Mentor | @johnbishop | Jul 25, 2021
In reply to @micasmar "Hello: I have been dealing with minor, slow progressing Neuropathy for the last year and a..." + (show)
@micasmar

Hello:
I have been dealing with minor, slow progressing Neuropathy for the last year and a half. After a bazillion tests, the final diagnosis is idiopathic Small Fiber Neuropathy, triggered by some immune or autoimmune response..
After my initial occurrence, the numbness and tingling progressed quite slowly, and was very minor...until 2 weeks after my second Covid vaccine shot. That sent it into hyperdrive and things started progressing very fast, and lasted about a month. Things are not as fast now, but still progressing quickly.
My question/s: How do you exercise aerobically if you can't walk too much?
Prescriptions are a last resort. What has worked that's outside the box? Ie. supplements, acupuncture, or OTC meds. What are long-term effects of taking the usual neuropathy meds and treatments?

I'm not looking forward to the inevitable decline 🙁

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Hello @micasmar, Welcome to Connect. You will notice that we merged your discussion here with the Neuropathy & Exercise discussion so that you can connect with other members discussing neuropathy and exercise. I have idiopathic small fiber peripheral neuropathy and also can't walk much or very far due to my back. I purchased a Teeter FreeStep Cross Trainer (https://teeter.com/freestep/) to help with cardio and strengthening exercises. I also take supplements that have helped me some. Myself and other members have posted our neuropathy journey and what helps us in the following discussion -- Member Neuropathy Journey Stories: What's Yours?: Member Neuropathy Journey Stories: What's Yours?: https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/member-neuoropathy-journey-stories-whats-yours/

You may also find the following discussions helpful:
-- Supplement recommendations: What can help neuropathy?:https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/supplement-recommendations-can-help/
-- Have you tried the new Protocol 525 product for neuropathy relief?: https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/have-you-tried-the-new-protocol-525-product-for-neuropathy-relief/

If you are looking for some exercise ideas, here is some information from the Foundation for Peripheral Neuropathy that you may find helpful: https://www.foundationforpn.org/living-well/lifestyle/exercise-and-physical-therapy/

What type of exercise do you normally like to do?

REPLY
texasflyboy | @texasflyboy | Jul 26, 2021
In reply to @micasmar "Hello: I have been dealing with minor, slow progressing Neuropathy for the last year and a..." + (show)
@micasmar

Hello:
I have been dealing with minor, slow progressing Neuropathy for the last year and a half. After a bazillion tests, the final diagnosis is idiopathic Small Fiber Neuropathy, triggered by some immune or autoimmune response..
After my initial occurrence, the numbness and tingling progressed quite slowly, and was very minor...until 2 weeks after my second Covid vaccine shot. That sent it into hyperdrive and things started progressing very fast, and lasted about a month. Things are not as fast now, but still progressing quickly.
My question/s: How do you exercise aerobically if you can't walk too much?
Prescriptions are a last resort. What has worked that's outside the box? Ie. supplements, acupuncture, or OTC meds. What are long-term effects of taking the usual neuropathy meds and treatments?

I'm not looking forward to the inevitable decline 🙁

Jump to this post

I was a runner for 50 plus years. After hip and knee surgeries (three left hips) I developed two super infections. I was put on Linzelod which you shouldn't be on for more than 28 days. That causes Neuropathy. But answering your question, I can't walk or exercise as much as I need to. I put a swimming pool in that had an eight foot deep end. I exercise a minimum of 60 minutes (up to and additional 60 minutes later) and it seems to help. I feel circulation and balance improves. I don't know if you have balance issues, but swimming exercise helps. My balance will most likely never improve. If anyone knows what to do to improve balance, I would love to hear from you.

REPLY
windsorchris | @windsorchris | Jul 26, 2021
In reply to @micasmar "Hello: I have been dealing with minor, slow progressing Neuropathy for the last year and a..." + (show)
@micasmar

Hello:
I have been dealing with minor, slow progressing Neuropathy for the last year and a half. After a bazillion tests, the final diagnosis is idiopathic Small Fiber Neuropathy, triggered by some immune or autoimmune response..
After my initial occurrence, the numbness and tingling progressed quite slowly, and was very minor...until 2 weeks after my second Covid vaccine shot. That sent it into hyperdrive and things started progressing very fast, and lasted about a month. Things are not as fast now, but still progressing quickly.
My question/s: How do you exercise aerobically if you can't walk too much?
Prescriptions are a last resort. What has worked that's outside the box? Ie. supplements, acupuncture, or OTC meds. What are long-term effects of taking the usual neuropathy meds and treatments?

I'm not looking forward to the inevitable decline 🙁

Jump to this post

Hello. Me, 73... old runner and active my entire life surfing, hiking etc. You just gotta keep moving. Walk on grass, tartan track and GET HOKA SHOES or an equivalent. Avoid "low balling" shoes as you will likely pay the price later. Best bets: stationary bike, walking, swimming, lifting etc. at your own pace. Avoid sitting for more than an hour. For me, no dish goes unwashed for more than 20 minutes and my wife is thrilled but it keeps me from getting lazy. You just have to ratchet down your routines as PN "rears its head" in so many different ways for everyone. I would avoid attaching any connection to COVID vaccination. I have found no medical support for this but if you have, please post reference.

REPLY
1 reply
texasflyboy | @texasflyboy | Jul 27, 2021
In reply to @windsorchris "Hello. Me, 73... old runner and active my entire life surfing, hiking etc. You just gotta..." + (show)
@windsorchris

Hello. Me, 73... old runner and active my entire life surfing, hiking etc. You just gotta keep moving. Walk on grass, tartan track and GET HOKA SHOES or an equivalent. Avoid "low balling" shoes as you will likely pay the price later. Best bets: stationary bike, walking, swimming, lifting etc. at your own pace. Avoid sitting for more than an hour. For me, no dish goes unwashed for more than 20 minutes and my wife is thrilled but it keeps me from getting lazy. You just have to ratchet down your routines as PN "rears its head" in so many different ways for everyone. I would avoid attaching any connection to COVID vaccination. I have found no medical support for this but if you have, please post reference.

Jump to this post

Thank you for your response. I should have retired but can't sit still and let my brain not work (not that it does anyway!!) I need to leave work in my home office and get up and walk. Sometimes, I get so involved, it is lunch or dinner time. I do exercises in my pool for at least 60 minutes when the pool is warm enough which is normally from May through September. I have a nice stationary bike. I will consider using it. I did get the COVID vaccine based on my Neurologist recommendation based on previous issues. I've noticed it has magnified my Neuropathy which seems to have spread to the thighs. Any suggestions are appreciated.

REPLY
lloydje1 | @lloydje1 | Dec 26, 2021
In reply to @johnbishop "Hi @southwind -- Thank you for starting this discussion. It's a great topic and one that..." + (show)
@johnbishop

Hi @southwind -- Thank you for starting this discussion. It's a great topic and one that is hard to even think about if you are dealing with pain from your neuropathy. I find it hard to walk due more to my lower back pain that the small fiber PN that I have. I'm the old guy walking around with an empty (most of the time!) shopping cart at the grocery store to get my exercise. I use the shopping cart to help with my back. I have a hybrid recumbent bike and elliptical exercise at home and I try to make sure I put in 30 minutes a day on the elliptical for weight bearing exercise. Usually it's in two 15 minutes sessions because it's easier for this old guy. The Foundation for Peripheral Neuropathy has some good information on exercise and physcial therapy for peripheral neuropathy here: https://www.foundationforpn.org/living-well/lifestyle/exercise-and-physical-therapy/.

Because I spend a lot of time sitting at my computer I make it a point to stand often and I have a couple of 5 LB hand weights I use to do arm exercises and balance exercises. I'm more worried about muscle atrophy and use it or lose it. What type of exercises help you?

I found a video that may also be helpful for others:

University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GWidFm9OLFA

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For those commenting they’re using an elliptical to exercise, this could be doing more harm than good. The position is not giving the proper use of legs. There’s a youtube video with detailed explanation I cannot post link but look for “How the Elliptical May be Hurting Your Spine” by Life360 Summit

REPLY
1 reply
Mentor
John, Volunteer Mentor | @johnbishop | Dec 26, 2021
In reply to @lloydje1 "For those commenting they’re using an elliptical to exercise, this could be doing more harm than..." + (show)
@lloydje1

For those commenting they’re using an elliptical to exercise, this could be doing more harm than good. The position is not giving the proper use of legs. There’s a youtube video with detailed explanation I cannot post link but look for “How the Elliptical May be Hurting Your Spine” by Life360 Summit

Jump to this post

Welcome @lloydje1, You should be able to post links after a short period of time. This is done to prevent spammers from joining and posting spam advertising. Since is obviously legitimate, please allow me to share the video for you.

How The Elliptical May Be Hurting Your Spine: https://youtu.be/YX_fCelvawM

My only question is she references 5 different research articles to support her claims but doesn't provide the references. I have no medical training or background but I'm not sure if the claims are true without reading scientific evidence. It definitely is interesting. I no longer have an elliptical and am currently using a Teeter FreeStep Cross Trainer which makes it easier on my lower back.

Do you mind sharing what you were searching for when you found Connect? Do you also have neuropathy?

REPLY
1 reply
lloydje1 | @lloydje1 | Dec 27, 2021
In reply to @johnbishop "Welcome @lloydje1, You should be able to post links after a short period of time. This..." + (show)
@johnbishop

Welcome @lloydje1, You should be able to post links after a short period of time. This is done to prevent spammers from joining and posting spam advertising. Since is obviously legitimate, please allow me to share the video for you.

How The Elliptical May Be Hurting Your Spine: https://youtu.be/YX_fCelvawM

My only question is she references 5 different research articles to support her claims but doesn't provide the references. I have no medical training or background but I'm not sure if the claims are true without reading scientific evidence. It definitely is interesting. I no longer have an elliptical and am currently using a Teeter FreeStep Cross Trainer which makes it easier on my lower back.

Do you mind sharing what you were searching for when you found Connect? Do you also have neuropathy?

Jump to this post

I’ve had an usual pain in my thighs —like broken glass and no pain in my feet so, I didn’t recognize it was neuropathy until recently when my right hand swelled and had severe nerve pain nearly paralysis. I have a doctor’s appointment scheduled. Meanwhile, in answer to your other questions, I’ve watched YouTube videos to improve my gait and learned that incorrect walking can cause hip, knee and other pains. Someone should tell us these things when we’re young before we go through a lifetime of “doing it wrong”. But, most of my problem came along due to compensating for hip and leg pain. Its hard to know which came first, the chicken or the egg. Look into these videos on how to walk correctly and you’ll see further explanations. There’s one other thing I was going to post later when I have access to links, its about vagus nerve, prolotherapy and joint instability. I’m contemplating going to a doctor who has helped people resolve neuropathy. It won’t work on every type but I’m not diabetic so mine could be injury related. Thanks for asking.

REPLY
notgivingup17 | @notgivingup17 | Feb 10, 2022
In reply to @betty1954 "I am also new. Due to having a bar in my back and stenosis, degenerative disc..." + (show)
@betty1954

I am also new. Due to having a bar in my back and stenosis, degenerative disc disease and neuropathy I decided I am to young at 66 to let this disease take over. I have been on this merry-go-round for over 6 years and justfound this link. I walk over 4 miles everyday with two walking sticks to keep me from falling. When I do fall I have to wiggle to a tree or post to get up. My legs won't let me on my own. I walk due to it keeping me from having back spasms. I have legs that feel like they weigh 50 lbs. each and have spasms in them continuously. On the bright side my God is my strength and stronghold-not my doctors. I use tons of essential oils from DoTerra and Copaiba has been a game changer. To helps with spasms I use Adaptiv. I ask my pain doctor about CBD oil and he said go for it if you think it will help. I am scheduled for another steroid injection in two weeks. I have another collapsed disc pressing on a sensory nerve; Everyday is a new challege. Somedays the discouragement with doctors is my biggest challenge and others it is my discouragement with myself for not being a stronger fighter. I have found neurologist to be of no help at all.

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I’m so sorry you are in so much pain and doctors can be discouraging. God is my strength and stronghold as well, I wouldn’t still be walking if it was for him.
Would you tell me more a the essential oils you use and how you use them? Also you mentioned Adaptiv? I have a lot of twitching muscles in my legs and buttocks.
Sometimes crawling sensation. Everyday is a struggle, I do my physical therapy at home now but I’m losing muscle mass and it kinda scary because I’m a very small person. I pray God will heal us all or there will be some type of medication that can help us but not opioids. May God bless you!

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