@southwind, @johnbishop, I have a question about the statement that walking cannot be a part of the exercise program for folks with neuropathy. I have just worked my butt off to finally be able to walk one mile. It has taken two years of effort and lots of weekly myofascial treatment from my MFR therapist to get to this point. Now that I have that capability I can do walking meditations and catch two birds with one stone. I am careful not to get too aggressive. It just really feels good to walk again. Am I doing something wrong? Will there be the proverbial price to pay? Hope you both have a lovely night of restful sleep. Chris

If you can walk, walk on!
I have been to many doctors
Therapists you name it I have tried
it. The one constant is “walk”
I admire your courage.

>

Chris, keep on walking! Your body will let you know if it's too much. I wish I could walk more but I'm satisfied using the elliptical a few times a day. Sleep last night…not so much. Was up all night with the not so dry heaves. I'm taking a sick day off work today and may just see if I can catch up with the sleep I lost last night.

Feel better my friend.

@artscaping

I do a fair amount of walking nearly every day, especially if we're in town for my wife's doctor appointment. It's an hour from my home, so we don't go to town for just one thing. It means doing Costco, Walmart, Trader Joe's, Bed Bath and Beyond, Best Buy, Michael's, a restaurant or two, and as many thrift stores we have the time and energy to hit. All for a 15 minute doctor appointment. I used to outshop my wife, but I stay in the car for some of them.

And we'll do it again next Thursday for my appointment with the neurologist. My feet are burning and asking me what they did to deserve this.

So these are the long walking days, but I always have a list of things that need to be done at home, most of them involving walking and standing. Sometimes standing still hurts more than walking. Not sure how that works.

Jim

Oh my Chris…what I meant by that: I was told by two docs to “stay off my feet” which to me translated as, “don’t walk, don’t play, don’t do anything on my feet; sit or lay down, stay put, i.e., don’t walk.” Plus, I just cannot walk but a few steps till I cannot tolerate the pain anymore. I’m on the early-end of my journey w/ this condition with no “track record” yet.

You’ve worked hard to walk! In the short few days I’ve been on Connect have learned that walking is good.

You are not doing anything wrong—yikes no! Keep-on-keepin’-on with what’s working for you. All the Best!

I continue with exercise, both cardio/strength and others forms. I find yoga helps my legs very much and do 4-5 classes a week. I have no balance issues or gait involvement.

I find that exercise helps quell the pain (maybe it's because of "positive endorphins"?). If my meds are due at 2 pm and I'm in pain at 1 pm, I can go running on the beach for an hour and make it through. I also go to the gym every day – the least I do is one hour on the elliptical — I like to stay in shape. Sometimes I take a class if there is one I like. Going into the jacuzzi at the gym helps my muscles relax, I do stretches in the the hot water. When I'm in Delaware, the gym here doesn't have a jacuzzi so I sometimes take a bath at home with epsom salts to relax muscles. Swimming is very gentle on the body but I dislike the chlorine in the pools and the ocean is too cold. I'm 68 years old. Peggy

Hello @whirleybirdie, welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect. I'm tagging our moderator @lisalucier to see if we should combine your post with the following discussion where you will receive more visibility and can meet other members with neuropathy that can share their thoughts and experiences on your question.

> Groups > Neuropathy > Living with Neuropathy – Welcome to the group
— https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/living-with-neuropathy-welcome-to-the-group/

I have small fiber peripheral neuropathy in my legs and feet. Although I am unable to walk for long distances anymore I try to walk some every day and use an elliptical or recumbent bike for 30 minutes a day. I think you need to exercise as much as you can without over doing it — especially if you are having pain in the feet or legs when you walk. Do you enjoy walking or is it hard for you? Are you able to share a little more about your neuropathy?

Is walking good for neuropathy in the legs and feet?

Absolutely it is, if you are able. Best thing is to keep moving with neuropathy. To the best of your ability.

As a matter of fact, I'll share my story…
First off ~ Happy New Year everyone!

My decision for 2020 is to make this my year of not being defeated. After 3 years of turmoil I'm praying it's the end and I can learn to live with and come to terms with what I have. Now, don't get me wrong, I will definitely get frustrated and have days when this theory flies out the window (and you folks will probably hear my sobs) however, as of today, this is my plan.

Back to excercise…I love to dance and my son is getting married in June. Because I don't get much mileage or ability from my legs I am working on my upper body dance moves while standing in place! I jam out every morning in my kitchen to Michael Jackson radio on Pandora. LOVE it! I can do it somehow and I will even if it kills me, to make the best day for my son and his wedding. No clue how I will get through the day, what shoes my feet can handle, how uncomfortable my body will endure this gorgeous dress I've picked, how my head and eyes will handle lights and sound and talking. No clue! But, in light of my new outlook…I will make it happen. I live with earplugs, blind folds, sunglasses, baseball hats and a plethora of drugs to help every inch of my body. 50 this year and I'm blessed to be alive despite my obstacles.

Keep moving, keep persisting, keep looking for ways to make life and pain manageable to the best of your ability.

Best wishes to all ~
Rachel

Faith and prayer have a lot to do with how we handle pain and lift our spirits. So many people are in worse shape than me and i thank the good Lord that I can handle it until he heals me. I sincerely believe this to be true. Have a blessed day and enjoy your son's wedding, he will be so proud of you. Keep yourself positive.

Thanks so much. Be well.

@rwinney Hi Rachel, I love what you wrote for the New Year. So inspiring. I am hoping that on the day of your son's wedding, happy endorphins for pain will release, adrenaline will pump, and you will just manage to enjoy! A good dose of CBD may help too. I love you dancing! I too, am a dancer, from way back in Disco days. I was damn good! Just know that we are here to support eachother, and know more than anyone, what our struggles are. Have a good New Year, Rachel. Keep those flowers coming. Lori Renee