Hello! I’ve dealt with peripheral neuropathy in my feet and legs for many years now. I eat a very clean diet and take excellent care of my health. While I’ve had a lot of stress recently, I do my best to manage it. I’m also on a supplement regimen including omega 3, coq10, and methylfolate. I stay very active and walk every single day. About two weeks ago, I started going to the gym to build strength and lose weight. However, I’m noticing leg weakness and a lot of muscle soreness, and my neuropathy symptoms seem to worsen after leg day. Is this just a temporary phase? What can I do to help my nerves and muscles recover? I’d love some advice on exercise methods that don’t involve just quitting.
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Try practicing Yoga.
There are specific routines that can really help out: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VvfMWb6jvT4&t=373s
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I think it varies by person, but exercise definitely helps my nerves and muscles. Even just 20-30 minutes of walking or cycling makes a difference. I try to lift some dumbbells to keep my arms strong; working out when I was younger seems to have helped with muscle memory. These days, I mostly just do cardio kickboxing to music. It’s fun and engages most of my muscles. I actually had to relearn how to walk at one point, so I’m just happy to be moving my body.
I’ve had the same experience. I started back at the gym a month ago, and using the machines makes the burning and buzzing so intense at night that it’s hard to sleep. Even walking up a small hill or stairs causes the same issue. 
Could you be overexerting yourself? If you’re going for high intensity, maybe try lighter weights with more reps? I’m also interested in your “perfect diet.” I’ve been waiting over a year to see a neurologist. Is there a specific diet for neuropathy you’re following?
I worked with a physical therapist on specific movements for my neuropathy. I’ve been back in the gym for over a year now and rarely have any issues with it anymore.
I only have problems if I push it too far. It’s hard to overdo it these days, but I’m active 5-6 days a week, including long hikes on the weekends.
I’ve had a very similar experience. A buddy suggested I look into Royal Jelly. I’ve been using it every morning for about eight months now, and it’s made a huge difference.
Get a blood panel to check your magnesium, B12, and Vitamin D levels. My neuropathy improved a lot once my doctor started me on B12, D3, magnesium glycinate, and B6.
I used to be into weightlifting before my SFN diagnosis. I really miss it, but my body reacts poorly whenever I try to lift now. My PT recommended sticking to bodyweight movements for a bit to try and regain some muscle.
Do you know what the underlying cause of your neuropathy is?
I’m in a similar boat, but I think we just have to push through the pain. That’s what several vascular surgeons told me—that walking and exercise are probably the most important things you can do, alongside supplements, to get better.
I was just diagnosed with small fiber neuropathy through a skin biopsy. It’s incredibly frustrating. My hands and feet are always tingling or buzzing, and some days the burning in my feet is intense. The severity fluctuates. I don’t know the cause or if there’s a way to fix it, so I’m assuming it’s just my new reality.
In addition to my recent SFN diagnosis, I’ve noticed significant leg weakness. I’m nearly 65, but I feel like an 80-year-old when I’m climbing stairs or standing up from a chair. My doctor found elevated muscle markers in my blood work and is investigating a possible muscle disorder. It might be worth getting your markers checked as well.
If you’re able to stay active and walk daily, your condition sounds relatively mild. What’s your age and weight? Have your doctors prescribed any medication?
It definitely sounds possible! My neuropathy makes it difficult to properly engage my muscles during strength exercises, even with lower-body yoga. I’ve had a hard time working out since my diagnosis six years ago. However, seeing an exercise physiologist was a game-changer; they created a personalized plan tailored to my neuropathy and other injuries. I’d definitely recommend finding one! 