How to Stand With Diabetic Neuropathy
Neuropathy can be a painful and debilitating side effect of diabetes. As the nerves suffer more and more damage from too-high blood sugar, they compromise your ability to stand and to walk properly. The best way to reduce the effects of neuropathy is to maintain good blood sugar control, but you also need to be able to deal with the immediate effects of neuropathy.
- Take your time before standing. The Mayo Clinic recommends that you rotate your feet and flex your ankles before you attempt to stand. Poor blood circulation can aggravate neuropathy, and moving your feet and ankles before standing can help to ensure that you will be able to stand properly.
- Brace yourself on a chair or something sturdy and stable as you stand. Since you may not have full feeling in your feet or lower legs, make sure that you are stable before you let go of whatever you are using to brace yourself. Before you take any steps, make sure you are steady.
- Choose the right shoes for your feet. Shoes that are too tight can further reduce circulation in your feet and legs, causing greater problems. Your doctor may recommend a specific brand or even orthotic shoes.
- Consider going to physical therapy. If your neuropathy is worsening, physical therapy can help you learn to manage the symptoms and accommodate your worsening balance. Physical therapy can also teach you how to use your muscles in different ways to combat the effects of the neuropathy.
- Use a cane, if necessary. If you require constant assistance to remain stable while standing, a cane can give you that support.