How to Stretch if You Have Peripheral Neuropathy

No matter how old you are or the health conditions you may have, stretching should be incorporated into your daily routine – even if you have peripheral neuropathy or nerve pain. In fact, stretching is an essential part of peripheral neuropathy treatment because it can get your blood flowing.

When this happens, you can expect your cellular metabolism to increase, your cells to receive the extra oxygen and nutrients that they need. To top it all off, these stretches will also improve your joint flexibility and mobility.

Stretches to Try When You Have Peripheral Neuropathy

Standing Calf Stretch

To do this, you must stand a few feet in front of the wall while placing your hands on the wall to keep your balance. Next, you’ll need to step back with one leg while keeping the knee straight. Make sure that your foot is standing firmly on the floor. You may need to bend your front knee slightly, and you hold this position for 20 seconds before you do three reps for each leg.

Plantar Fascia Stretch

Start by placing your heel firmly on the ground but as close to the wall as you possibly can. Keep your toes as high up in your wall. Next, lean your body forward and feel your Achilles, which is located at the bottom of your feet. Hold the stretch for 20 seconds and complete three reps per leg.

Seated Hamstring Stretch

First, you’ll need to position yourself at the edge of a hard chair. Next, you’ll need to sit up straight while putting one leg straight out front, your knee straight, your heel placed firmly on the floor, and your toes pointing up. The other leg should be bending while you keep your foot flat on the floor. Lastly, your chest should be placed over your straight leg. Hold for 20 seconds and do three reps.

Natural Treatments for Peripheral Neuropathy

Take Your Vitamins

In some cases, peripheral neuropathy is caused by certain vitamin deficiencies, including Vitamin B, that’s important for nerve health and prevention of nerve damage. Vitamin D is also needed to prevent nerve pain. While you can get Vitamin B from consuming foods that are rich in vitamin B, your body produces vitamin D when you expose yourself to sunlight. Your doctor may also advise you to take supplements, and sticking to the recommended dose is extremely important to avoid toxicity. 

Quit Smoking

Did you know that smoking can hurt your blood circulation? This habit causes your blood vessels to become narrow. When this happens, the flow of oxygenated blood will be reduced, and you’ll experience increased pain and numbness in your extremities.

Take a Warm Bath

Aside from being a fantastic way to relieve stress, taking a warm bath can also help alleviate the pain in your hands and feet by promoting proper blood circulation throughout your body and decreasing the numbness. However, if the damage to your sensory nerves has caused you to be less sensitive to temperature, avoid making your bath water too hot.

Stretching as Part of Your Peripheral Neuropathy Treatment

You can make stretching a part of your peripheral neuropathy treatment because it can increase your flexibility and reduce your risk of injury. If your doctor allows you to participate in an assisted-stretch session, feel free to book your 30-minute stretch at Stretch Zone.