Driving with Numb Feet.

@davidpn Hi there, ironically I was also wondering the same thing today. Glad you posted this, I'm curious also. Sorry you're dealing with this 🙁 it's definitely no fun, but could always be worse. Good luck to you, friend.

Thanks rm. Let’s see what responses we might get.

btw thanks for your kind words. I do have a question for you. Do you feel fatigue in your legs when walking. For me it occurs after about 10 minutes. From what I’ve read PN causes weakness of leg muscles - leading to less endurance and strength. For some reason my nuer doesn’t think it’s neuropathy???

Thanks.

Hello David

I'm sorry you are going through this.

Google Forbes-Best shoes for people with Diabetes. This population also suffer with PN
There you will find a list of best shoes for people with Diabetes of 2023, according to Podiatrist.
I hope this helps.

Hi David,

I want to add that I do strength training exercises 3-4 times a week, including calve raises.
The calve raises are helping to maintain strength and tolerate the tingling and numbness.

I’ve purchased thin soled sneakers. The cheapest I could find. I only wear them when driving. It seems to give me a better feel. I also put the car in neutral when waiting for a light to change so if my foot does slip I won’t hit the car in front. I only do local driving as well. It really sucks. Good luck

@davidpn and others, Another option for driving without the use of foot pedals might be hand controls but I'm sure it's spendy. @steeldove mentions the Kempf hand controls in another post here and may have some thoughts or suggestions - https://connect.mayoclinic.org/comment/157046/. You may also find these related discussions helpful:

--- Anyone use a device to allow driving without foot pedals?: https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/device-to-allow-driving-wo-using-foot-pedals/
--- Caring for a parent with neuropathy: When's it time to not drive?: https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/caring-for-a-parent-with-neuropathy/

@davidpn Yes, I do. I used to be able to run for long distances without stopping and do highly competitive sports, but now I can barely make it 1/4 mile before stopping and being short of breath. It's frustrating, but it's the new normal for me and I've learned to adapt mostly. I'm thankful bc it's literally slowed me down, which is something I need.

Hello rivermaya,

Sounds like you’ve handled the adjustment pretty well. That 1/4 of a mile sounds very familiar as it’s the same for my walking.

I’ve had this new neurologist for about four appts. She felt the fatigue is not due to nuerology. Gave no suggestion as to what it might be. I asked what’s our next step and she suggested check out heart, lungs, thyroid and anemia. That turned out to be 5 tests and 5 doctor appts. Thankfully all good.

I wrote her back how nueropathy causes muscle weakness in legs, reduced endurance, tiredness and numbness. She hasn’t responded. Don’t think she knows what she’s talking about.

Thanks for your input.

Thanks John,

I’ve heard of this but need to look into it further.