Driving with Numb Feet.

Posted by davidpn @davidpn, Jul 25, 2023

Over the past year the numbness in my feet has increased and at times I find my foot slipping off the brake. I’ve kept my driving to less than 2 miles and this might occur about once per drive.

My license is due for renewal and the medical form filled out three years ago (numbness not as bad) is due to be resubmitted. I can’t lie to doctors and pretend everything is okay but I do have a question.

Can any one recommend a shoe, currently using skechers which has helped with walking, that might help this problem.

Thanks much.

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Justin McClanahan, Moderator | @JustinMcClanahan | Jan 3 3:32pm

In reply to @rkjb1951 "Any suggestions for mens shoes for driving th7at help with numbness in my feet?" + (show)

Hello @rkjb1951. I moved your discussion and combined it with an existing discussion titled, "Driving with numb feet," -https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/driving-with-numb-feet-f/. I did this so you could meet members like @davidpn, @martyo321, @llg, and others who have shared this similar question.

@rkjb1951, have you tried any shoes that you have ruled out?

rkjb1951 | @rkjb1951 | Jan 3 6:33pm

Casual shoes with worn,thin rubber soles.

dougies | @dougies | Jan 3 8:54pm

In reply to @rivermaya34 "@davidpn Yes, I do. I used to be able to run for long distances without stopping..." + (show)

Just a thought, if you are getting short of breath, I don’t think that is caused by PN. It is more likely a cardio or respiratory issue.

cincloveman | @cincloveman | Jan 3 9:33pm

I am struggling with this as well. I was even having panic attack’s over it. Ok , adjust your seat a little closer so your feet don’t have far to go. I put light under the dash so I can see my feet. Shoes that are wide and lace up. I always feel like if they are slide ones, they might slide off. Remember, there are options that you can choose for moving the break to be a handle etc. if it comes to that.

rivermaya34 | @rivermaya34 | Jan 3 10:46pm

In reply to @dougies "Just a thought, if you are getting short of breath, I don’t think that is caused..." + (show)

@dougies Yes, you are correct. I apologize, as the way I worded my response was not clear. Smh lol. I have the fatigue he is talking about in my legs, yes, for multiple reasons. I also have vagus nerve damage which has affected layers of my health, unfortunately...among other things. It's written in my bio and more extensively in some other posts, if you're interested. 🙂 I think I've got every Dr covered lol!

juls339 | @juls339 | Jan 4 2:15am

Hi..I'm new to this conversation...I"ve been driving for about a year with numb feet...I really really hate it. I only putz around locally...no jumping on freeways which means relying on others to help sometimes. My right foot is much worse than my left, so I've learned to drive with my left foot. I'd like to move to hand controls but I don't have money for that...my neuropathy isn't diabetic...I have scoliosis with rods in my back, and for reasons yet unknown I've developed the most painful neuropathy I've ever had. The pain is so unmanageable, with gabapentin, and getting help with that is very hard in this modern day climate of no opiates no matter what! Juls339

minfromtexas | @minfromtexas | Jan 4 6:04am

In reply to @snikkis1 "I too have gained about 10 lbs since started the Lyrica 50mg twice a day and..." + (show)

I decided to go back on the gabapentin, 800 mg before bed. I think I've found the sweet spot for pain relief vs side effects. I also have a spinal cord stimulator. So, between the two of them, things seem to be manageable....and then I fainted and was dx w/ a concussion. Does the fun never end? Now experiencing daily 24/7 headaches. PC suggested I try PT which I'm game for. Erghhhh

dougies | @dougies | Jan 4 9:14am

In reply to @rivermaya34 "@dougies Yes, you are correct. I apologize, as the way I worded my response was not..." + (show)

No apologies necessary, with all the crap we are dealing with. May science catch up to PN this new year.

tgregg99 | @tgregg99 | Jan 5 9:09am

In reply to @rkjb1951 "Casual shoes with worn,thin rubber soles." + (show)

Years of ago after my PN diagnosis, I learned quickly to NOT drive with flip-flops after I almost had an accident. If you suffer from numbness, wear only shoes with laces or that otherwise fit snug on your feet for optimal control.

rkjb1951 | @rkjb1951 | Jan 5 10:40am

In reply to @tgregg99 "Years of ago after my PN diagnosis, I learned quickly to NOT drive with flip-flops after..." + (show)

Thankfully my feet are not completely numb yet. Something that helps me with gas pedal control ,drive in sport mode in traffic. A 14 camry, this limits car to more gears. Dont have to mash the gas as hard to get a response. In 6th gear. Car not as responsive.