Exercise for PN

Dr. Smith · 11-24-2011, 02:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Don_S

maybe it's because walking on pavement is repetitive, with each step nearly the same and the foot-strike unforgiving, while the rough trails I like have a variety of slopes and footing so that the legs and feet have to flex a little differently with each step.

AFAIK, it's the high(er) impact of the concrete (similar to standing an a hard concrete floor vs. a rubber pad)

Quote:

He sniffs every bush and power pole, sometimes with deep interest and concentration. Maybe for him it's like reading great poetry...but it sure makes for a slow walk.

At the local park where we walk ours, there's a large boulder at the intersection of 4 major (and some minor) paths. Every dog who goes by "uses" and reads it; it's been dubbed, "Peein' Rock" by local owners (& dogs?)

Dogs are marking territory, and reading sign. It's more like a public bulletin board than poetry, given the information they can glean about their ilk from an olfactory reading - they can identify the individual dogs, their sex, general health, stage of estrous cycle/pregnancy, fear, pack order, and a lot more. Since dogs smell in layers (vs. blends) they can keep all this straight about each individual dog.

They're just keeping up with the local "news".

Doc

Don_S · 11-30-2011, 09:38 PM

Well, maybe it's dog poetry, Doc S?

Like, maybe the Irish setter down the street would write this poem:

Where to go? I thought it fine
beside the scented pine,
upon redolent roots among the stones,
and pitchy cones...
But no, anent
along the path I went,
admired the dogwood and its bark,
and crossed the park
to watch a squirrel on the fence.
And then, since
time is not eternal for a dog
behind a fallen log
where the maple drops it wingéd seed
I peed.

I don't know for sure if doing foot exercises and massage are helping, but it seems there's less numbness lately. Could be just normal variation in the syndrome, it could be placebo effect (I feel better when I think I can do something about my condition)...or maybe the old feets really are responding.

Got a copy of my bloodwork today, everything indicates horse-like healthiness.

Dr. Smith · 12-03-2011, 11:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Don_S

Well, maybe it's dog poetry, Doc S?

Did I just get set up?

Quote:

I don't know for sure if doing foot exercises and massage are helping

IMO, if you feel better, or better about it, it's helping.

Back when I first joined NT (or thereabouts) and hadn't a clue (as if I've got one now) my DW was massaging one foot every morning for 10-20 min (leaving the other alone as a control) to see if it would be therapeutic. It seemed to make a slight difference, but nothing epiphanic, and after we stopped, things seemed to even out again. I think I've experienced more improvement from some of the supplements, though it's hard to gage because progress is so slow. Then again... who'd turn down a foot massage? [insert smilie here]

Doc

Doc

pinehurstcharlie · 12-27-2011, 09:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Don_S

I've recently been diagnosed with PN; my version is so far limited to my feet. I have some numbness and a little burning now and then, but I count myself truly lucky when I read what others suffer with!

I'm 55, have always hiked and backpacked, and would like to keep doing these things for the next 10 or 15 years (of course!)

I'm trying several things:

1. I've stepped up (no pun intended) exercises involving my feet and lower legs -- heel and toe lifts, sideways lunges, knee bends, a kind of heel-and-toe sideways walk.

2. I massage my feet vigorously in the evening, hoping to increase blood flow and keep the tissues (and nerves) as healthy as possible. I'll start soaking them in warm epsom-salt water as soon as I get a basin...

3. When I have to sit I fidget. Tap my feet, wriggle them, stomp on the floor a bit. So far my workmates have not said anything ...

Sitting seems to be the worst for me. I drive for 6 hours (two 3-hour stretches) about every other week, and sometimes at the end of that my feet burn worse than usual. So, again, I'm trying to stay on cruise control and fidget around, tho' one must stay ready to hit the brake as needed.

What do other people do? What seems to help the most?

I am so glad i read your post as right now being newly diagnosed mine is in myt feet and lower legs so reading about it bothering you when you sit , that is my worst time . I' think if i can stand and walk all the time I"m far bette off. I'm trying to learn as much as possible . I was hoping that they would find a cause but after lots of test mine seems to be idiopathic right now . Thanks

Idiopathic PN · 03-22-2012, 05:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mrsD

I move my feet all day long and when in bed too.

Drives hubby crazy in fact. I think the movement helps keep things working.

Too much and there can be pain however. I had a very bad experience with one resistance machine at the gym...the one with the foot base plate you move against to strengthen the calves.(it is sort of like the antique sewing machines that were made before electricity, they were foot pedal driven). I had foot pain for 2 weeks after that one 15 minute session!

I found that elliptical machines were easier on my feet than the treadmill.

So just be careful and take it slowly, and wear shoes that do not compress the tops of your feet. That is where most of the nerves to the toes are, and tying too tightly can make your feet go numb, when exercising.

I used to walk 5 miles a day before my diagnosis of neuropathy. When I asked my first neurologist what activities/exercises will avoid future damage in my nerves and preserve all the healthy ones. He told me emphatically that there is no activities nor exercise that can damage the nerves. Is t his true?

When I can, I walk very briefly - like 800 steps (I count my steps now because I am wearing a pedometer). I do the stationary bicycle for 30 mins. I put soft paddings on the pedals to (at least) reduce the pain. Its walking and standing that I cannot tolerate - maybe its because putting the weight on the feet makes it untolerable.

Thank you.

Dr. Smith · 03-31-2012, 04:38 PM

Quote:

Back when I first joined NT (or thereabouts) and hadn't a clue (as if I've got one now) my DW was massaging one foot every morning for 10-20 min (leaving the other alone as a control) to see if it would be therapeutic. It seemed to make a slight difference, but nothing epiphanic, and after we stopped, things seemed to even out again. I think I've experienced more improvement from some of the supplements, though it's hard to gage because progress is so slow. Then again... who'd turn down a foot massage?

Lately, as Forrest Gump might say, "for no particular reason," I've got significant edema in my feet again. This seems to come and go for weeks at a time, and I haven't been able to put my finger on the reason why (though I can sure put my finger on the edema, and the impression stays right there...

) I do have noticable pain/sensitivity along with it.

Foot massages (or more aptly, pressing the fluids out) helps a good bit with this pain/sensitivity, (not to mention making my slippers fit more loosely) albeit temporarily. I'm hoping that keeping it up will prevent/retard any permanent damage, and can't wait until it goes away again...

Doc

ger715 · 03-31-2012, 08:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dr. Smith

Lately, as Forrest Gump might say, "for no particular reason," I've got significant edema in my feet again. This seems to come and go for weeks at a time, and I haven't been able to put my finger on the reason why (though I can sure put my finger on the edema, and the impression stays right there...

) I do have noticable pain/sensitivity along with it.

Foot massages (or more aptly, pressing the fluids out) helps a good bit with this pain/sensitivity, (not to mention making my slippers fit more loosely) albeit temporarily. I'm hoping that keeping it up will prevent/retard any permanent damage, and can't wait until it goes away again...

Doc

Unfortunatly, about three years ago, after bladder surgery, I developed edema. I have been on 40mg Furosemide and 25mg Spironalactone for a couple of years just to keep the swelling down.

After the surgery, the doctor put me on the antibiotic Levaquin 500 mg's for 14 days. My PN worsened, as well as the Edema started within a week or two after surgery. Also, Statis Dermatatis of the feet,ankles, legs to the knees started shortly afterwards as well. All after the surgery/Levaquin. To say the least; this has really added to the burning pain in the feet/ankles and leg pain.

At first, I had to keep changing shoes and slippers sizes. Since being on the meds for edema, I have maintained the same size although, I still get some swelling in my left leg at times.

Ger

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