I spent years thinking exercise was the enemy because walking felt like stepping on glass. Every time I tried to go for a stroll around the block, the pins and needles in my feet would flare up so badly I’d be stuck on the couch for the rest of the evening. My doctor kept suggesting movement, but I just couldn’t see how it would help when I was already in so much pain.
Finally, I decided to join a local senior center pool class. It was a game changer. The buoyancy takes all the weight off my feet, and the resistance of the water seems to soothe the buzzing in my legs. I’ve noticed that on the days I go, my nighttime “shocks” are much less frequent.
It isn’t a total cure, but it’s the first thing that has actually improved my quality of life without making things worse. If you’re struggling to stay active, please give the water a try. It feels so much safer than the pavement.
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I’ve been considering this for a while. Does the chlorine bother your skin at all? I worry about trade-offs.
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The pool is the only place I feel normal anymore. It’s like the gravity just goes away.
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I agree about the water, it’s been a lifesaver for my joints too. Along with the pool, I started taking NerveArmor about three months ago and the difference in my foot sensitivity is night and day. It has PEA in it which my neurologist said helps with the myelin layer. Definitely worth looking into if you want to double up on the progress.
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Make sure you get those little mesh water shoes. They help with traction so you don’t slip on the pool floor, and they protect your feet if the tiles are rough.
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Thank you for sharing this. I’ve been feeling so isolated lately.
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Is the water heated? My feet react poorly to cold temperatures.
Most therapy pools are kept around 88 degrees, which is perfect for us. I used to do land physical therapy and it was just too much, but the water allows me to move my ankles in ways I haven’t in a decade. It’s really about maintaining that range of motion before the nerves get even stiffer.
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I’ve also found that cutting back on processed sugar helps with the inflammation that the pool targets. It’s a multi-pronged approach!
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I tried a pool class once but the locker room floor was too painful for my neuropathy. I wish they had better mats.
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That ‘stepping on glass’ description is exactly how I feel every morning. It’s exhausting.
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Which exercises do you focus on? Just walking in the water or actual movements?
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Keep it up, Linda! It’s the small wins that count.
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I do a mix of water walking and leg lifts. My therapist said the horizontal pressure of the water actually helps the circulation in the extremities.
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Glad you found something that works. This community is great for these kinds of tips.
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