Please share success with diet, exercise and footwear.

Hi @gumbi67, Welcome to Connect. Thanks for starting this discussion on the concerns that a lot of us have. I also have idiopathic neuropathy small fiber peripheral neuropathy which started in my toes in my mid 40s to 50s. I shared my neuropathy journey in another discussion here - https://connect.mayoclinic.org/comment/310341/. It's great that you are trying to learn more about your condition and what helps. While you wait for other members to respond, you might want to scan through what I found using a search of Connect on parts of your question.

- "neuropathy + diet" - https://connect.mayoclinic.org/search/
- "neuropathy + exercise" - https://connect.mayoclinic.org/search/
- "neuropathy + footwear" - https://connect.mayoclinic.org/search/

I try to do 30 to 45 minutes a day on my exercise bike or rowing machine along with trying to eat healthier with less sugar. Used to only have 1 or 2 pairs of shoes but the past few years have been concerned like you about finding the perfect pair of shoes to help with my neuropathy and balance. The main thing I've found for me is that my shoes cannot have too much cushy feeling but they also can't have zero padding or my feet hurt walking. Sketchers were always my go to because they were cheaper and I still have a pair but also have some OrthoFeet that I like but a little too cushy and I've been trying multiple barefoot shoes which I like around the house because I have better balance with them. It's truly a one size does not fit all scenario and you have to find out what works best for you.

Have you seen the Foundation for Peripheral Neuropathy site? They also have some great information and webinars on their YouTube channel -- https://www.foundationforpn.org/, https://www.youtube.com/@foundationforperipheralneu4122

I have idiopathic small fiber peripheral polyneuropathy and occipital neuralgia with migraines and trigeminal neuralgia with burning mouth syndrome and bruxism. Bilateral ulnar nerve entrapment and pudendal neuralgia. I just moved out of a recently discovered toxic moldy apartment: lived there almost 12 years.

I have not found much that improves symptoms but have found ways to avoid worsening symptoms.

I avoid eating anything at least three hours before I try to sleep. Eating makes my burning nighttime symptoms much worse.

Eating anything at any time with flour, sugar, starch really worsens the overall body burning and deep pain, and usually causes extreme cramping (like hard labor) with sweating and extreme nausea/vomiting, about an hour after eating. I eat mostly keto-carnivore, fasting in-between my two meals. No fruit aside from occasional blueberries.

I wear open-toed sandals to postpone burning feet pain. High heels are not an option anymore. Loose, soft clothing is a must to avoid itching or the hot "swelter" that causes the deeply itchy burning. Can only be on my feet for short periods without sitting. I'm always moving, as being still results in my body tightening up and hurting derply.

Gabapentin helps a tiny bit. Nothing else has been offered, but i avoid Rx drugs as much as possible. I do take R-ALA, B12, magnesium glycinate, D3/K2, others I read are good for brain and nervous system.

Have been referred to my nearby Mayo Clinic. Have yet to go as I've lost a lot of faith in medical profession.

Thank you. I will try modifying my diet and remove carbs. I can't wear open-toed shoes because they are not allowed at work. I can't imagine this getting worse. I really need to find ways to manage it. I hope we all do.

@logicalperson Hi this is Bashful Bob. I have the same problem with Itching and neurophy. I don't use meds as I don't trust most doctors or RX drugs . As for eating I eat mostly soap vegetable or potato very little red meat mostly Pork and fish. the vegtables the greener the better. I found they worked the best as it cured the wifes cancer stage three lymphoma in six weeks and that was about 2010 and is still gone. It also make me feel better giving me more energy. I drink a lot of herb and berry teas to tune up the body. I use Aloe Vera liquid I purchased at Walmart Since I no longer have my Alo Vera garden And It has stopped almost all of my Itching takes care of the wrinkles as a added benifit and from Cosco Tumeric Liquid that is a pain killer, On my feet for my lymphoma I wear tennis shoes new balance 608 and style a special made insole in it and about a size larger and extra wide than I used to wear. I use Blue emu or Vicks vapor rud every morning. Also a vibrator with infa red for 15 minuets on each foot daily. It dosent cure it but makes me feel better and Apple cider vinager rub on the leg stops the cramps at night.I for you yonger women hot flashes. Also I found that if I drink 2 table spoons of AV in 4 oz water 30 min before each meal It removes the sugsr from the blood and I don't have to get up and pea ever hour you and can sleep all night. This works for me and Good luck in finding what will work for you.

@quietriver , I noticed you mentioned itching. My mother has substantial neuropathy in her feet, legs and hands. Lately, she’s having severe bouts of itching. I suspect it’s not dry skin. She’s in a nursing home. What helps yours?

@yoan02
You will manage it. I had to remove gluten from my diet so my carb intake is greatly reduced and it seemed to help with digestive issues and with my autoimmunity--I have peripheral neuropathy. Try to be body-aware. With respect to diet also try to avoid seed oils as they are in alot of processed food. Environment including weather can be a factor. So can stress. And thanks for thinking of all of us. Many of us are out there and it helps to know you are not alone.