Foot neuropathy: What gives you relief?

Hi @papi54, Welcome to Connect. No one really knows the answer to your question and I have no medical training or background but I'm going to go out on a limb here and say the chances are slim to none for amputation. I'm 79 and had the numb feet for 20+ years before even getting a diagnosis of small fiber peripheral neuropathy. I do take extra care of my feet and wear socks at night so that I can see if I happen to step on something and injure the foot. I also check them every night and keep a skin moisturizer on them.

Have you been diagnosed with neuropathy or do just have the symptoms?

Hi there @steveny9, I appreciate your question. Just want to make sure that you know this exercise program is designed for me as I face osteoporosis and falling is not something you want to do. The stabilizing exercises begin with simple things like standing in a prescribed way for a minute or so at a time. I am happy so far and can see improvement in both strength and stability.

These first five are for stability and are just the beginning of the program that Mayo PT's have designed for me based on the advice from my endocrinologist. (1) Romberg Stance for 30-60 seconds 2-3 times a day, (2) Simple "Sit to Stand" 10 reps 1-3 times a day. (3) Heel rises while standing at the counter 10-20 of these 1-2 times a day. Another counter position, (4) Hip Abduction 10 of these 1-2 times a day and finally (5) Seated quad which is a simple leg lift from a seated position 10 of these 1-2 times a day.

So the program works because when you start you only do these and only every other day. Then your program progress is evaluated and some are replaced with new ones or more are added. The benefit is that the program continually changes as your efforts begin to pay off. Of course you are encouraged to continue walking and cardiovascular exercise on you own.

I hope this introduction gives you an idea of what it takes to have some confidence that you will be a lot more stable.

Questions???
May you have happiness and the causes of happiness.
Chris

Had been diagnosed with some neuropathy. I am a type 2 diabetic and had gradually seen some progression in foot numbness but it was an odd feeling like I said…like walking on crumpled paper but no pain. Thanks for your input…was good to hear. I also am very careful with my feet.

Thanks Chris. Your detailed program is very helpful. I have been a bit worried about balance as my SFN progresses.

I don't know what Hip Abduction is.

I am not able to have a PT at the moment so I will have to research and create my own program. If you know of any books or online videos that are specific to stability let me know.

Again, thanks for the explanation.

Steve

Have you looked for a neutral sneaker, or shoes with a wide toe box? Birkenstocks shift your weight back to your heel.
Also, on sneakers you can loosen the bottom of the laces and tie tighter at the top. The extra eyelet that is unused is designed to keep your foot from slipping forward, so use this and lose the laces at the bottom.
I think the toes being crowded is what annoys them, and that causes the neuropathy to be further aggravated. I found that smooth socks do not trigger my neuropathy as much as 'cushioned" socks. I feel all the loops. So much trial and way too much error in finding shoes. I am wearing Tevas, they work for now.

Hi there, sorry it took me a while to come back.....I was on a remote vacation with spotty internet and cellular.

You may want to take a look at the Otago Exercise Program, First Edition for Strength and Balance Retraining developed by the National Center for Injury Prevention and Control. I think you will find some similar exercises to the ones I have described.

Hip abduction refers to exercises that move the hip away from the body. The hip abductors are often forgotten. Yet, they help us stand, walk, and rotate our legs. So I stand facing the kitchen counter with my hands on the counter for support. Then I move the right leg straight out to the side followed by the left leg. Now......you've got it......just keep it up.

What are your goals?

May you have comfort and ease.

Chris

I take potassium everyday because I'm on Lasix which takes the swelling down in my legs. I find that it really helps with leg cramps. Also take magnesium daily as well. I must drink a large amount of water everyday so this keeps things in balance. I hope this info helps.

I was diagnosed with sensory nerve neuropathy in my feet. Numbness and burning!😩 Just bought wide Brooks with Super Feet Orthotics, tying the laces somewhat loose and staggered over the top of my feet. That is the area that is hypersensitive. Also bought Dansko Clogs which run wide. Only mild improvement. Having a huge lab work up now to r/o causes.

My pain is the exact opposite. My feet feel great after a night's sleep. They burn when I lay down to go to sleep. I use Gabapentin. 2 300 mg capsules quiets the pain. Along with a couple puffs of marijuana!

We are all so different in how we experience the symptoms… I have no pain in my feet when I sleep. It comes intermittently when I am on my feet. Burning and numbness. Improves when I get off my feet! Crazy! I work 3 days a week as a nurse. Not easy. Waiting for lab results.