They say exercise can only help, but-
 

It is said that exercise can only help peripheral neuropathy, never worsen the actual disease, or so I have read. But, is anyone aware of any actual evidence to support this beyond "famous neurologist X says it is so" or similar low-quality evidence? For example, are there any peer-reviewed journal articles supporting this commonly repeated advice?

Thank you,
RedRoan

Couldn't resist a quick reply. Exercise is always good, however, with SFN it just seems to make it worse or add additional symptoms. It may be just my case, but the normal numbness, tingling in my hands becomes an additional burning sensation after playing a round of golf or working in the garden. The studies you refer to certainly didn't include me, but they were probably geared toward leg neuropathy where blood circulation is usually a contributor. Exercise in this case would certainly be healthier for the patient. On a side note, I have heard that nerves are not nourished directly through the blood supply, but better blood circulation may increase the exposure of the nerves to the nutrients they need.
Good luck in your continued research.

Also couldn't resist a quick reply.

Exercise definitely seems to make my symptoms worse. I went for a fairly long (for me) run this week. The next day, at work, my usual symptoms (fasciculations in calves) spread to my feet, groin, shoulders, and abdomen--along with a horrible sensation of prickling and tingling all over my lower body.

My neurologist insists that activity cannot make the neuropathy worse, and is overall a good thing. That said, at the very least in the short term, exercise seems to aggravate damaged nerves.

Incidentally, my first ever symptoms (last fall) began when I started a vigorous exercise program. My first symptoms were tingling in my fingertips, which I associated with my new program of weight-lifting.

Moderate exercises is likely a better idea than anything vigorous. Moderate exercise and activity always make me feel better. I don't think anyone with SFN or PN should be doing any vigorous exercise, or at least they should be careful before venturing on the path.

I’ve been wondering the same thing. Every Dr I have talked to has said you can’t do further damage by exercising, but I don’t exactly have much confidence in their knowledge of this condition. I have also read stories from others whose symptoms have gotten considerablely worse and debailtating after pushing through the pain during exercise. Seems like it is not a good idea.

if your feet, ankles, or lower legs are numb you certainly can hurt yourself with vigorous exercize. i have broken my ankles a few times not knowing where and what angle my feet were landing on.

my legs and arms gets very tired and heavy feeling very quickly.

My neuropathy improved tremendously last year with exercise alone,but fell back cause of substance use.I'm slowly getting back to exercising.
Exercising shouldn't have any negative effect on your neuropathy and has been proven to induce small fibre nerve regrowth.
The machine i recommend using is the stepper at a medium pace for more than 30 min,nothing less than 10 min so you can let the blood flow through out your legs properly.This machine is also good for people with balance issues.

Here’s three studies. By my reading, none of them exclude the idea that exercise could increase nerve damage. They do suggest that exercise can improve nerve function, increase nerve healing, and/or reduce the perception of pain. They use both experimental studies in animals, and observational studies in humans (hard to do a double-blind study in people). They note that there are many causes of PN, so YMMV.

Neuroprotective Effects of Exercise Treatments After Injury: The Dual Role of Neurotrophic Factors
Emerging Relationships between Exercise, Sensory Nerves, and Neuropathic Pain
Benefits of exercise intervention in reducing neuropathic pain

My PN pushed me to take swimming lessons and swimming can help me out, when I get to the pool. Hoping you find something that works for you.

Hi,

was watching this thread as thought - hoped! - it would generate lots of follow-up comments/suggestions/ideas but that doesn't seem to be the case

Tried to get to grips with the 3 links provided by nilram but "I am a bear of very little brain & long words bother me!"

Like many others my neuropathy is idiopathic - & no pain, just numbness in feet & lower legs

have never used a 'stepper' but is there anywhere within the forum of how different forms of exercise help/worsen the different types of neuropathy?

on a related subject has anyone tried walking barefoot, walking thro' hot sand or, gulp :eek: firewalking?

none really appeals to me but, like many I guess, would try anything if there was a fair chance of getting some improvement

I think the cause of a persons neuropathy plays a part in the effect that exercise may have. I have idiopathic small fiber neuropathy which makes it scientifically more difficult to determine. I suffer from chronic burning in my legs. Leg workouts usually trigger my symptoms as does deep tissue massage of my lower body and especially my feet. The burning doesn’t usually last longer then a day but it’s enough to discourage from the activity. I think if you are able to do moderate exercise it would be a help for reasons already stated.