Neuropathy can affect your life in many different ways, but if you have neuropathy in your feet, it can impact your ability to walk and get around. While you should always consult your physician and walk with extra caution, here are some tips for making walking a little bit easier:
- Do some gentle exercises and stretches before you get up and start walking. We recommend doing plantar flexion and dorsiflexion stretches.
- Since neuropathy can cause reduced sensation in your feet, it’s essential that you wear protective, comfortable footwear. You should also wear thick cotton socks with your shoes to protect your feet.
- Avoid walking in places with a large number of obstructions and stick to hard, even surfaces, such as a treadmill.
- Try to walk for at least 30 minutes a day. This can be broken up into shorter intervals throughout the day depending on your fitness level and comfort.
- After you walk, engage in gentle stretching. Focus on your shoulders, back, ankle joints, toes, and calf muscles.
Work up to greater distances and speeds as you get used to walking regularly, and if you need additional support, consider wearing orthotic inserts in your shoes. After you’re done with a walk, you should always check your feet for blisters and other irritations, so you can treat them as soon as possible.