How Regular Exercise Can Improve Peripheral Neuropathy Symptoms

Your peripheral nerves make up the part of your nervous system that isn’t your brain or spinal cord. Peripheral neuropathy is a condition that affects your peripheral nerves and causes issues like tingling, numbness, and pain in your extremities.

Over 20 million people in the United States are living with peripheral neuropathy, and the symptoms can have a serious impact on daily life and overall well-being. At Interventional Pain Management Associates, Dr. Maher Ibrahim and our team understand the challenges of peripheral neuropathy, and we’re here to help.

We specialize in comprehensive pain management for our patients in and around Hamilton, New Jersey. And one promising avenue for managing peripheral neuropathy is regular exercise. Here’s what you need to know about how incorporating exercise into your routine could help relieve symptoms.

Understanding peripheral neuropathy

Your peripheral nerves are responsible for transmitting signals between your central nervous system (brain and spinal cord) and the rest of your body, including your limbs. When you have peripheral neuropathy, your peripheral nerves are damaged and don’t work like they should.

Peripheral neuropathy can be the result of various other health issues, including diabetes, autoimmune diseases, infections, and certain medications. The damage can disrupt the normal functioning of these nerves and lead to a range of symptoms, like tingling, numbness, pain, and muscle weakness.

Tingling and numbness

Nerve damage can cause sensations of tingling or numbness, particularly in your hands and feet. It can be bothersome and uncomfortable and make everyday activities challenging.

Pain

Peripheral neuropathy can cause sharp, stabbing, or burning pain in the affected areas. Whether the pain is persistent or intermittent, it can have a profound impact on your quality of life and your ability to get a good night’s sleep.

Muscle weakness

Weakness in your muscles, particularly in the extremities, is another common symptom. This weakness can contribute to balance and coordination problems, putting you at risk of accidents like slipping and falling.

How exercise can help you manage peripheral neuropathy symptoms

Regular exercise is a key component of any healthy lifestyle — and it can make a significant difference in the lives of people with peripheral neuropathy. If you’re living with peripheral neuropathy, exercise can help:

Boost blood circulation

Exercise elevates your heart rate, which increases blood flow throughout your body. Regular exercise promotes better blood circulation even when you’re resting, and sends more oxygen and nutrients to nerve cells. This can help prevent further nerve damage and even facilitate the repair of damaged nerves.

Reduce pain

Exercise increases strength and flexibility, which both have a positive effect on pain management. Plus, physical activity triggers the release of endorphins — the body's natural painkillers. That means regular exercise can help alleviate pain associated with peripheral neuropathy and improve your overall mood.

Improve balance and coordination

The numbness, tingling, and pain that come along with peripheral neuropathy can affect balance and coordination. Exercise that focuses on strength, flexibility, and balance, like yoga or tai chi, can help reduce these issues in your daily life and improve your overall mobility.

Manage your weight

Maintaining a healthy weight is important, especially if your peripheral neuropathy is related to diabetes. Regular exercise, combined with a balanced diet and proactive health care, can help you manage your weight and control your blood sugar levels, which can lower your risk of further nerve damage.

Living with peripheral neuropathy is challenging, but incorporating regular exercise into your routine can offer relief and improve your overall quality of life. Find an exercise routine that’s right for you and get a personalized pain management plan at Interventional Pain Management Associates.

Book your first appointment online or call us at 609-757-9860 to get started today.