Pain is a red flag that something has gone wrong in your body, so if you don't feel pain, there's no problem, right? Not quite so for peripheral neuropathy, which can make many activities much riskier for your feet. You could easily hurt yourself on your run or doing your favorite activities without even noticing until it's much too late. You have to take extra precautions for safely exercising with neuropathy.
Peripheral neuropathy limits your ability to feel things happening to your feet. You may not be able to tell when you're developing a blister, or have stepped on something sharp, or have injured your lower limbs in some other way. That means you have a much higher risk of problems and injuries when you exercise—but it doesn't mean you shouldn't exercise at all!
Exercise is healthy for your whole body, including your lower limbs, even when you live with a condition like neuropathy. It strengthens your muscles and improves your circulation, both of which are beneficial for your feet. However, because of the risks that come with numb feet, you have to take extra precautions to protect yourself from complications.
Here are a few tips to help you protect your feet and keep them safe while exercising with neuropathy:
Stick to low-impact – Low impact activities like swimming, biking, and walking don't put much pressure on your lower limbs, which can help them avoid injuries.
Try cardio and resistance training – Many cardio activities like swimming and biking boost your circulation without straining your feet. Resistance training can help safely build strength in your lower limbs, too.
Wear the right shoes – Your shoes are designed to support and cushion your feet, which can help you avoid injuries and problems like blisters.
Stretch it out – Stretch your feet regularly to keep muscles and tendons from getting too stiff.
The more careful you are with your feet, the better it is for their health. Our team at Absolute Foot Care Specialists can help you establish a safe plan for exercising with neuropathy, too. Don't wait until there's a problem; you can reach our Las Vegas offices online through our website or by calling (702) 839-2010 to make an appointment with us today!