[esquire]

Hi,

I started having burning/tingling feet, progressing up to mid-calves, then in hands, about a year ago. I also get tingling of my lips and tongue & uncomfortable intense, stinging "cold" sensations mostly in my calves. Seen at Mayo Rochester & numerous tests with diagnosis of small fiber plus some superimposed spinal cord compression issues.

Anyway, I keep reading that I should have trouble exercising and that exercise makes symptoms worse but, for me anyway, it's inactivity that makes it worse, most particularly after going to bed at night. But, it will also start to sting/burn if I sit or stand for very long. Just sitting here typing this and my feet and my hands are starting to get painful. But, if I walk (or run even), I don't notice it so much.

So, exercise seems to give me some relief although symptoms return after I stop. This seems different than others have said so I was just wondering if it was this way for anyone else.

/

[lizziebeth]

I have body-wide mixed small/large fiber sensory neuropathy. I also seem to feel better with exercise. I also find that my symptoms seem to abate a bit after having a massage.

[drswami]

i have sfn hands, feet, back, and face, also with some spinal compression. i also have trouble with sitting for long periods. i think this is due to the compresssion. i cant run, but i can walk slowly. kicking my legs while swimming hurts my feet, so i use a leg buoy. i ride an exercise bike, and i workout in the gym 4-5 times a week. i find exercise generally makes me feel much better, mentally as well as physically.

i work out with a trainer once a week. the main emphasis is on developing core stability, in an attempt to diminsh the spinal compression.

my theory is that by doing physical training on a rehular basis i get endorphins flowing through my body, and i am giving it the message that it needs to grow. and hopefully it will repair the nerves at some point.

the other thing i do is try to stay in a happy and positive mood all the time, even when it is hurting badly.

[darlindeb25]

I'm with all of you. When I started exercising, I had to go it very slowly, and build up my time. I walk at a fast pace now, and I know it's the best thing I can do for my neuropathy. I rarely give myself permission to take a day off...only if it's raining and even then I used to just go with an umbrella!The cold weather will probably make me work out on my gazelle, I just can not take the cold any more!

[echoes long ago]

the people with problems exercizing i think are mostly the sensory motor axonal large fiber PN cases. Small fiber can be excruciatingly painful but the motor nerves arent usually involved. Motor nerves have a myelin sheath and are large fiber. Degredation of the axons of motor nerves lead to loss of strength and stamina. I knew i have sensory motor axonal PN but didnt realize how much my motor nerves have become affected until a few days ago when i tried to show my daughter a way of showing a collie involving a smooth gait but i could not lift my legs and for the life of me coulndt run more than a few steps very unsteadily. I noticed nine years ago that my legs got as heavy as tree trunks if i tried to run more than a half block but i could force myself to lift them but not so anymore.

[glenntaj]

--that it is difficult to determine just how exercise will influence them. Some people, especially those with motor symptoms, have more difficulty tolerating exercise than others.

I suspect when you exercise, the sensations coming from that may interfere with your other abnormal sensations, at least for a while, and/or you may be loosening up muscle and connective tissue that is involved in compression of some of your nerves (which may be contributing to abnromal symptoms).

[mrsD]

Exercise is always good, if you can do it.

I have problems with my left ankle, and hence recumbant bikes I can barely manage, or long walking or many stairs. I do them but limit the time on them. I also cannot do the resistance machines that tone the calves. Those really hurt me.

Anything compressive (tight fitting shoes) needs attention also for people with foot issues. Large toe box, etc., is important so the toes don't get compressed.

We had a fellow on the old board, who found swimming to be very therapeutic. So if you like this form of exercise, that would be an option.

Each person would be unique depending on where their pain issues are.

[darlindeb25]

Yup, I agree with everything said. I think we all need to do whatever we can...all exercise is good for us, even if we can only do a little.

When I first moved here, nearly 7 years ago, the gazelle just killed my feet. I finally put it away, I just could not take the pain. Then 2 yrs ago, I got it back out and used it along with other exercises, not relying on it so much. I find walking is the best exercise for me. Many of the DVD exercises cause me to lose my balance, and if I fall and break something, exercise will become my enemy!So, I have not been using the DVD's.

As long as I can keep the weight I lost off by walking, then that will stay my preferred exercise, although, I would love swimming too. I also have to have my music with me, my feet do not walk well without music!

[mrsD]

I use a light weight hiking pole now when walking long distances, and for stairs (we live on a steep hill--so stairs are an every day thing several times a day).

It works better for me than a cane... it is very good for balance.

[darlindeb25]

Mrs. D., I have to say, I love your Santa cat!!!