How to Exercise if You Have Diabetic Neuropathy

Diabetic neuropathy is a condition that affects those with diabetes. It causes numbness and pain in the feet and is a result of nerve damage. This can make exercise hard to handle; it is important to learn some exercise techniques, as exercising is an important component of staying healthy with diabetes.

When diabetic neuropathy affects you, you may find it difficult to participate in weight bearing exercises such as jogging, running, aerobics and anything where you have to use your feet and put weight on them. However, there are a few exercises that are perfect for nerve damage in the feet. These are the same exercises that are ideal for those with any type of issues where they cannot run or walk.

Here are a few of the exercises you can do even while having diabetic neuropathy.

• Go swimming.


• Perform upper body exercises such as pull-ups, weights and rowing.


• Go bicycling.


• Perform any exercise that does not put weight on your feet and allows you to get into shape.

 The above exercises will not cause additional pain to your already sensitive feet.

• Purchase shoes that fit right. If you try to wear shoes that are ill fitting such as too tight or too loose, you will only worsen the pain in your feet. Even without performing weight bearing exercise, the right shoe is essential in order to exercise without pain and struggle.

Keeping healthy while you have diabetes is important and you do not have to give up exercise just because you have diabetic neuropathy.