How to Exercise With Neuropathy in the Feet

Neuropathy is a condition caused by nerve damage. According to the Mayo Clinic, a common cause for neuropathy of the feet (peripheral neuropathy) can be due to diabetes. It is important to keep active when suffering from neuropathy to help keep pain minimal. Exercising can also increase oxygen flow throughout your body, which can help circulation within your blood vessels. Always consult with a physician before engaging in any form of exercise to ensure that you are up to the task. It may help to ask your physician for specially made therapeutic shoes, which may add additional support for your feet while exercising.

Things You'll Need

• Consultation with your physician
• Physical therapist
• Exercises that don't use weights

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Instructions

Beginning Stretches

• 1

  Massage your feet before engaging in any activity. Massaging the feet will promote circulation throughout your feet, and stimulate your nerves.

• 2

  Try what is known as roller massage. Get a dough roller and place your feet on the roller. Gently glide your feet back and forth on the roller to stimulate the heels and arches of your feet.

• 3

  Stretch you ankles with ankle rotations. Sit in a comfortable chair and rotate your ankles clockwise for a count of ten. After completing the clockwise rotation, rotate your ankles counterclockwise for a count of ten.

Exercising

• 4

  Begin with a balancing routine prior to exercising. Gently march in place, only lifting your feet a few inches off the ground. If you need to, hold onto the back of a chair to help keep you steady until you're able to do the exercise without a chair.

• 5

  Sit in a comfortable chair and place your feet close together on the floor. Raise only your toes. Flex the toes up and down from the floor. Flex your toes 10 times.

• 6

  Ask your physician if swimming is an acceptable form of exercise for your condition. Swimming can help relieve stress and weight on your feet, which may help alleviate painful symptoms brought on by your neuropathy.

• 7

  Try rowing. A row machine only requires you to sit in a chair while using your upper body strength and your legs to propel you to move in a gliding motion. This type of exercise is also gentler on your feet, as you do not have to stand.

• 8

  Cool down after any exercise. Do any of the stretching exercises after a complete workout to ensure that your muscles, tendons, and joints don't become sore.