Any younger people suffering from Neuropathy?

I also have hammertoes which have gotten worse over the years. My neuropathy started in the toes sometime during my late 40s to early 50s (I turn 83 next month). I don't have pain with my neuropathy either, just some numbness and tingling. I shared my neuropathy journey in another discussion here - https://connect.mayoclinic.org/comment/310341/.

Looking back I wished I would have looked into surgery to correct my hammertoes but now feel it's a bit too late. Have you looked into any PT or other devices that may help you maintain your mobility?

I’ve tried exercises I found on youtube as the PT I went to wasnt that great. I don’t have access to proper physio unless I paid for it. Im in Canada and do not have insurance as I cant work so no access at the moment. The Canadian healthcare system is not great. Not sure if I will work again as this is quite severe. Ive tried orthotic in soles and an AFO and walk with a cane. A flat, low to the ground or none cushioned shoe helps some but Im noticing now shoes are harder to wear though and walking on anything paved my toes start to curl as if they are trying to grip. It kind of feels like Im floating. Hard to describe.

I did ask for a referal to a Neuro rehab physio as in patient but was denied. That would have been covered for me. If I had ALS or MS I would have got in but its neuropathy so no. Im going to bring this up again.

The thing is I dont know if Im doing damage to my feet exercising due to sensory effects. Ive expressed my fears to every physician Ive seen but the answers are vague and I feel disregarded as its usually “neuropathy nothing we can do”.

I am trying an exercise bike some.

Definitely, understand being younger with so many issues 😢😫 it’s so depressing. I wonder if an anti inflammatory diet would help? I am going to try it. I have gone back and forth between a AFO. Right now I am in a Brooks Ariel stability shoe with a wide toe box. I have to wear that exclusively unless my leg gets over tired and my foot drags. I am going to walking sticks and always use a cart. I recovered from this in my early fifties mostly by continually rotating my ankle and pointing my toe up and down. At that time that foot was totally foot drop. Although it did not move at all, I closed my eyes and visualized it moving and eventually I had progress although reconnection of the electrical pathway synapses was very painful, I kept on. Eventually, only a small residual remained that most could not tell. Now 10 years later and severe stenosis in the spine let go until I got better care and now I have 20-35 percent back depending on fatigue. I need a fusion in my spine and I trying to avoid but may be contributing. Have you had a spinal MRI? Do you get any therapy? I do think acupuncture helps but my insurance will not help anymore. Hoping you can hope and friendships to encourage you❤️

Thanks for the reply. I looked at your profile and found some older posts that where of help which Im going to look over more closely. I too have to use the cart but Ive noticed Im getting looks when Im walking with it. I have New Balances similar to your Brooks but now Im finding shoes with thick soles make me feel disconnected from the ground and that Im floating and now my right foot is twisting to the right when walking. I noticed my current neurologist ticked off that I had an MRI but I never have under his care. I might have when I was in another city while in the hospital but its never been brought up so Im going to mention this. Im going to try out the foot exercises you mentioned too.
I guess my fear is im making my feet worse with exercise. I keep bringing it up but once any doctor hears neuropathy they brush it off and no further testing. Walking makes my feet feel worse, real numb and my ankle is feeling like its going to collapse. Cannot walk in socks at all. Ive brought this up and Charcot and it feels like I have to have a complete collapse before they will look into it. I can tell there is something going on top of the neuropathy but keep getting ignored so I am at a loss. Im contemplating going to the ER again but know it will be brushed off. I went there months ago and its gotten worse. I just want to know if my muscles have atrophied so much or what it is. Its just adding to the stress of this. Im going to go read some of your older posts I found.

@megidigo you need to see a physical therapist to help with your gait. You should also see a podiatrist for your feet to at least obtain an evaluation for a baseline. You don’t mention whether you have any diagnosed illness as a cause for your foot neuropathy?

@jenatsky it was caused from alcohol use and undiagnosed diabetes. My blood sugar was very high. I was also told idiopathic at one point. Ive seen a podiatrist and a physical therapist. They just gave me basic exercises. Ive seen quite a list of doctors - nothing can be done.

@megidigo I am sorry Meg that you aren’t able to find the help you need. The long term effects of alcohol use can damage a wide breadth of our bodies. We’re all different so we all experience it differently.

@jenatsky

From what I was told that unless PN is caused by autoimmune issues there is no treatment other than medication that masks pain. I am trying different exercises I found online but if I have early charcot Im doing more damage than good.

I don’t believe that either autoimmune PN or due to back injury and spinal issues like mine there is no cure. Have you consulted a PT for appropriate exercises? I fight my deterioration by exercising.