Summary: This week on Beating Neuropathy and Chronic Pain, we'll again be discussing the benefits of exercise for patients for patients who suffer from peripheral neuropathy. A new exercise program should only be performed with approval of your treating medical professional. If you have difficulty with balance, or experience numbness in your feet, please perform exercise only under the guidance of a personal trainer or physical therapist. Good, proper-fitting footwear is important as well, both to support and protect the feet. Some may be concerned that exercise may not be good for people experiencing peripheral neuropathy. This can be true. People with diabetic ulcerations or skin fragility should use extreme caution. Treadmills should also be avoided. Even though they are popular, they create a lot of vibration which can aggravate neuropathy and chronic pain conditions. A better way to exercise the large muscles of the thighs is to use an exercise bike. Pedal wheels are an option for those who may not easily be able to ride a bike. Another option is a "trainer", which a regular road bike can be placed on and used indoors. The purpose of exercise is to create more blood flow, which will creae a rise in temperature which will be beneficial to people suffering from peripheral neuropathy. As treatment progresses, the easier it will become to increase body temperature through vasodialation. This is another reason why supervised exercise is beneficial. References: A Moderate-Intensity Weight-Bearing Exercise Program for a Person With Type 2 Diabetes and Peripheral Neuropathy Effects of a combined strengthening, stretching and functional training program versus usual-care on gait biomechanics and foot function for diabetic neuropathy: a randomized controlled trial Effects of peripheral neuropathy on exercise capacity and quality of life in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases Join the conversation on our Facebook page, Beating Neuropathy!
