if they swell constantly from walking or standing then damage can be done from the swelling. i think it would depend on the person and what is causing the pain which would determine if more damage was being done. damage from pn can and does progress even if you do nothing. if the pain is from the brain getting no or garbled signals from the brainnerves then i dont think you would be doing more damage. Personally i would and did and still do what i can while i still can.