Neuropathy & Exercise
How have you received enough physical exercise while dealing with neuropathy?? Do you walk in spite of the condition; tiptoe to get around; particular exercise program, etc.?
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pfbacon
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Oh yes, now I remember, I'm on a waiting list to get on the waiting list to get the shot(s). None of my pharmacies in Delaware or Virginia know when they will get it in. I wonder why the company who makes it is so slow about producing it. Pharmaceutical companies spend a lot of money on research and development, they usually want to make their money back asap. Peggy
Chris Trout, Volunteer Mentor
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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!
Hey there, @southwind. I am checking on you and your walking program now that everything is on the table regarding what the real subject is here. How is your health right now? Any new findings? Are you feeling less pain? I do like your positive endorphins solution. So hoping you are moving forward unconditionally. Be safe and protected. Chris
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sparshall
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Hi @southwind — Thank you for starting this discussion. It's a great topic and one that is hard to even think about if you are dealing with pain from your neuropathy. I find it hard to walk due more to my lower back pain that the small fiber PN that I have. I'm the old guy walking around with an empty (most of the time!) shopping cart at the grocery store to get my exercise. I use the shopping cart to help with my back. I have a hybrid recumbent bike and elliptical exercise at home and I try to make sure I put in 30 minutes a day on the elliptical for weight bearing exercise. Usually it's in two 15 minutes sessions because it's easier for this old guy. The Foundation for Peripheral Neuropathy has some good information on exercise and physcial therapy for peripheral neuropathy here: https://www.foundationforpn.org/living-well/lifestyle/exercise-and-physical-therapy/.
Because I spend a lot of time sitting at my computer I make it a point to stand often and I have a couple of 5 LB hand weights I use to do arm exercises and balance exercises. I'm more worried about muscle atrophy and use it or lose it. What type of exercises help you?
I found a video that may also be helpful for others:
University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
I have a serious case of CIDP, with major nerve damage in my legs, so just stumbling around the house with a cane or walker is difficult. (Away from the house, I have to use a wheelchair.) Unfortunately, I also have serious back problems and constant pain. I need exercise for both conditions, but pain makes it difficult. I do stretches and other exercises for my back, but I can’t ride an exercise bike and do any exercises that require being on my feet without support. I can’t get down on a floor mat because I wouldn’t be able to get up again, so I do the lying-down exercises on the bed. I have some atrophy in my legs, which two neurologists have told me will happen with CIDP regardless of whether you walk and exercise. Next week I’m having a peripheral nerve stimulator put in, and I hope it will control my pain well enough to let me exercise more. A friend who is a yoga instructor has given me guidance to moves that won’t over-tax my depleted muscles or cause injury.
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I have a serious case of CIDP, with major nerve damage in my legs, so just stumbling around the house with a cane or walker is difficult. (Away from the house, I have to use a wheelchair.) Unfortunately, I also have serious back problems and constant pain. I need exercise for both conditions, but pain makes it difficult. I do stretches and other exercises for my back, but I can’t ride an exercise bike and do any exercises that require being on my feet without support. I can’t get down on a floor mat because I wouldn’t be able to get up again, so I do the lying-down exercises on the bed. I have some atrophy in my legs, which two neurologists have told me will happen with CIDP regardless of whether you walk and exercise. Next week I’m having a peripheral nerve stimulator put in, and I hope it will control my pain well enough to let me exercise more. A friend who is a yoga instructor has given me guidance to moves that won’t over-tax my depleted muscles or cause injury.
So, in addition to IVIG, you also partake in additional strength building and a self discipline lifestyle? Amazing you are, my friend! Keep your positive spirit…it must be very difficult some days.
Rachel
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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
Because of the balance problem I have as a result of my peripheral neuropathy I have difficulty walking as much as I used to. I was wondering if you have any suggestions for shoes.I’m currently buying new balance shoes but would be happy to spend some money on custom made shoes. Is this something I should go to a podiatrist for. Any help greatly appreciated
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Chris Trout, Volunteer Mentor
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Because of the balance problem I have as a result of my peripheral neuropathy I have difficulty walking as much as I used to. I was wondering if you have any suggestions for shoes.I’m currently buying new balance shoes but would be happy to spend some money on custom made shoes. Is this something I should go to a podiatrist for. Any help greatly appreciated
@7510cahill, @jmhday Good afternoon. Regarding shoes, New Balance had been by choice for hiking/walking shoes for 20 years. Now I look for Mephisto's for best fit and comfort when I have to walk a lot indoors…grocery shopping, exhibitions, etc. If you have high arches and a wide instep…..Mephistos are in a class with Munro which is American made. Good searching. Socks are important too. Be safe and protected. Chris
Jane
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lioness
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I have a serious case of CIDP, with major nerve damage in my legs, so just stumbling around the house with a cane or walker is difficult. (Away from the house, I have to use a wheelchair.) Unfortunately, I also have serious back problems and constant pain. I need exercise for both conditions, but pain makes it difficult. I do stretches and other exercises for my back, but I can’t ride an exercise bike and do any exercises that require being on my feet without support. I can’t get down on a floor mat because I wouldn’t be able to get up again, so I do the lying-down exercises on the bed. I have some atrophy in my legs, which two neurologists have told me will happen with CIDP regardless of whether you walk and exercise. Next week I’m having a peripheral nerve stimulator put in, and I hope it will control my pain well enough to let me exercise more. A friend who is a yoga instructor has given me guidance to moves that won’t over-tax my depleted muscles or cause injury.
@sparshall Neuropathy is horrible I have it but not in feet yet Chair exercise is great for us who have it A friend of mine loves the stretching and other foot exercise .She said she feels alot better after exercising and stretching the feet,toes. If you can find a chair program I think you would benefit you ,
and 2other people have said it helps them
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lioness
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I buy flats with fabric tops. I cannot feel my feet on the ground, so I have no sense of balance. I can’t wear shoes that are bulky or heavy.
@darlingtondoll I know what you mean big bulky shoes bother my feet my ankles are my problem they hurt with those kind of shoes and at night I have to rub them with wintergreen alcohol to settle them down.
pfbacon
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My favorite shoes are Skechers with the spongy rubber soles and foam foot beds. They pad my feet and provide rebound when my feet hit the ground. When my legs and feet are painful with jangled nerves I can rub any kind of lotion or cream onto them and they calm down … for awhile … not long, but it breaks the pain cycle for awhile. Peggy
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margaretob
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lioness
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What is arnica? Does it help? Thank you for sharing and caring…
@margaretob Hi Arnica is a homeopathic cream for pain from the plant NOT drugs and it does help I use it all the time like all rubs they last for awhile . This has no chemicals in it as drugs do so I am into naturel products this is one . For me Ive done homeopathic for years and they help I also had a by pass surgery in 1996 and am still very active . Hope you give it a try any drug store has it.
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Jim, Volunteer Mentor
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What is arnica? Does it help? Thank you for sharing and caring…
I have a tube on my nightstand, in among various other creams. This particular one is labeled "bruise remedy gel", combined with aloe and MSM, whatever that is. I've heard people say that it has helped with their pain.
Jim
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@lisalucier
Hi, @pfbacon – this Mayo Clinic article has some useful information on Shingrix https://newsnetwork.mayoclinic.org/discussion/mayo-clinic-q-and-a-new-shingles-vaccine-recommended-for-most-adults-over-age-50/
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