Leg Weakness! And how to recover? And success with movement

One must stay active no matter what. I sleep in my recliner so I can keep my feet up or lower them easily. During the day I walk as much as I can and sit as seldom as I can. Lack of activity will cause your leg muscles to atrophe

Hello @bennettrory, I agree with you and @marthadean. We all need to stay as active as possible for physical and mental health. Not sure if you have seen the Foundation for Peripheral Neuropathy website but they have a great wealth of information on treatments and living well with neuropathy - https://www.foundationforpn.org/living-well/.

Yeah I am definitely understanding that. It's crazy. But the pinched nerve recently flared up the weakness. I have been moving more. And going to keep. Even though there's pain. I agree. Thanks for reply. Do you take anything that helps?

Hello, bennettrory (@bennettrory)

I haven't any advice, other than to say I think you're doing the right thing. Mine is idiopathic large-fiber neuropathy, diagnosed in 2022. Then in March of last year, I was diagnosed with a sepsis infection. Both conditions have resulted in leg weakness, worsened by sepsis rendering me bedridden, first a half-month in the hospital, followed by another half-month in a rehab facility. I'm still doing at-home rehab: a therapist visits twice weekly to help me re-learn how to walk. Like you, I'm applying as much discipline to myself as my legs can bear: up and walking every 15 minutes or so, standing stock still for 5 minutes every so often, twisting, wiggling, exercising every available joint even when I'm seated (thank you, Twyla Tharp!). I am improving, but oh boy, is it slooooow going! I wish you the very best on your journey to recover leg strength.

Cheers!
Ray (@ray666)

Appreciate that RAY! Wishing you a full recovery! Take your time listen to that body!

I take fairly high doses of Motrin and so far have had no ill effects from it.

@marthadean be aware that Motrin can become addictive and be bad for one's body. Back in 2001, the military would only give me those types of NSAIDs. The dosage kept needing to go higher. It finally sent me to the hospital with an allergic reaction! I had physical withdrawals for three days. Triage nurse (and a Walgreens Pharmacist) said never take that stuff regularly. Just for a few days, when you have an issue like a pulled muscle or pain that needs some extreme inflammation addressed. After that, I was put on Opioid where I've stayed for chronic pain for 25 years. The several surgeries I needed (lumbar/hips) resolved my problems. but it was a long process to get there. The issue for which I take the opioid - my tailbone could not be addressed. So here I stay. Please research the long-term problems with using Motrin. It is not recommended for long-term chronic pain use.

My neuropathy pain is exacerbated by my deteriorating spine (degenerative disc disease). So various nerve pains in my legs are provoked from nerve root levels in my spine. I don't believe - this is my 'opinion" - that things are ideopathic. I believe the doctors don't have time to track the problem down. Nor can WE live are lives in continued surgeries all the time. So, now, it is incumbent upon me to do the research (on line), look here for ideas (by which I get SO many ideas!) and continue to STRETCH and look at options of what works and doesn't - what I can control - and can't! For me, the weather plays a big factor in having flares. Fog is the worst! I woke up early today and was having a flare. Looked out the window and it was FOGGY. First line of defense: staying strong; even if you stretch in a bed. Being Vertical. Taking various pain meds (and topicals) during flares to continue to walk and do stretches. Good luck to everyone!

Thank you for your reply! Means alot!

There are already a lot of good comments here. Just keep moving is #1 for just about everyone. I would also add make sure you are eating a healthy diet and you are getting enough high quality protein. Your muscles cannot repair and rebuild without good, high quality, balanced protein. If you need help with exercises for your back and for your legs, it might help to see a PT and/or a trainer. If that is not in the budget then walking can do miracles. Start with small amount and keep adding a little bit a day, and/or just try to go a little bit faster every day. You might want to break the walking up into small amounts, but more times per day, for a while. I hope this helps.