Exercises for Idiopathic Peripheral Neuropathy

Idiopathic peripheral neuropathy is a nerve disorder affecting the extremities, such as the hands or feet, causing numbness, tingling, and pain. There is no known cause for idiopathic neuropathy. Other forms of peripheral neuropathy can be caused by disease or trauma to the nerves. The Mayo Clinic recommends an exercise program developed by you and your doctor to help alleviate symptoms of idiopathic peripheral neuropathy.

Purpose of Exercise

• Many people only look at exercise as a way to build muscle strength and cardiovascular health, but if you suffer from idiopathic peripheral neuropathy, you can benefit from an exercise program. Exercise improves blood circulation through the body. Nerve fibers are not as vascular as muscles, meaning they do not receive direct blood flow, which is why they can take longer to repair. They are not receiving the nutrients from blood as readily as a muscle or other vascular organ. Exercise increases blood flow, thus supplying the oxygen and minerals that nerve fibers need for repair. Another benefit of exercise is improvement in muscle strength, which reduces the effects of neuropathy. Additionally, keeping your weight down will reduce the stress on your feet, lessening the pain.

Types of Exercises

• The best types of exercise for someone suffering from idiopathic peripheral neuropathy are those that are low impact and low weight bearing. You should try to exercise for at least half an hour, three times a week. Water activities, such as water aerobics or swimming, support your body while giving your muscles resistance. Walking, exercise bikes, and elliptical machines can be good for low-impact aerobics, but make sure that you are not putting too much stress and strain on your feet.

  You may also benefit from yoga or tai chi. These are slow movement, traditional Eastern exercises that give you an aerobic workout while amply stretching your body. These are meditative types of workouts that incorporate deep breathing with visualization during the exercise. As a result, you may learn to better manage your pain by learning these meditative techniques.