Depending on the degree of your neuropathy, you may need to avoid weight-bearing exercise, such as running on a treadmill or walking, says Ann Albright, PhD, director of the Division of Diabetes Translation at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta.
“Those exercise formats could result in foot injuries, so it may be better to stick with swimming or using a stationary bicycle,” says Albright. After you exercise, check your feet for irritation or sores and attend to them right away to avoid an infection. Such infections increase your risk for amputation.
Exercise concerns for people with diabetic neuropathy
Regular exercise may help reduce your risk of severe diabetic neuropathy. Depending on what areas of your body have been affected by nerve damage, however, you may need to modify some aspects of your exercise program so that other problems don't develop.
Before beginning an exercise program, ask your doctor to do a thorough exam of your legs and feet for signs of peripheral neuropathy. In addition, make sure you have properly fitted shoes to protect your feet from injury.
Exercising safely with foot problems
If you have nerve damage in your feet, you need to avoid repetitive, weight-bearing exercises, such as jogging, prolonged walking, and step aerobics. Repetitive stress on feet affected by neuropathy can lead to ulcers, fractures, and joint deformities. Stick to exercises that do not put stress on your feet, such as:
• Swimming
• Bicycling
• Rowing
• Seated exercises
• Arm and upper-body exercises
• Other non-weight-bearing exercises
Regular exercise may help reduce your risk of severe diabetic neuropathy. Depending on what areas of your body have been affected by nerve damage, however, you may need to modify some aspects of your exercise program so that other problems don't develop.
Before beginning an exercise program, ask your doctor to do a thorough exam of your legs and feet for signs of peripheral neuropathy. In addition, make sure you have properly fitted shoes to protect your feet from injury.
Exercising safely with foot problems
If you have nerve damage in your feet, you need to avoid repetitive, weight-bearing exercises, such as jogging, prolonged walking, and step aerobics. Repetitive stress on feet affected by neuropathy can lead to ulcers, fractures, and joint deformities. Stick to exercises that do not put stress on your feet, such as:
• Swimming
• Bicycling
• Rowing
• Seated exercises
• Arm and upper-body exercises
• Other non-weight-bearing exercises
Last Updated: July 27, 2006 
