Hi Elaine,

I don't have PN but CRPS, a close cousin I suppose...and have survived multiple foot operations and major nerve damage. My physical medicine and rehabilitation specialist was opposed to me personally going into a brace except as a last resort. They help hold position but will contribute to atrophy since you are no longer doing the work yourself. I would council moderation and a PT consult. There must be exercises that you can do to help keep the muscles stimulated and the nerves getting motor signal. Consider doing aquatherapy so gravity is not also an issue. You can really get a lot of muscle work and stimulation in the water. I should know, I was non-weightbearing on crutches for nine months and on a scooter for a year.

Keep at it no matter what and don't give up hope. For the longest time all the reps I did on PT exercises seemed to go nowhere but they were preventing further loss. Eventually, oh it was slow, I did start to build some muscle back. It took months but sometimes stubbornness is a virtue!

I am sorry you are dealing with so much. We all know how exhausting it can be. We are here for you.