Joint Pain & Low-Impact Movement
Gentle Foot and Leg Exercises for Peripheral Neuropathy
Peripheral neuropathy can affect feeling and balance in the feet. Gentle, supported movement may help you stay active. Your care team can tailor these to you.
Gentle exercises
- Seated ankle pumps
- Seated ankle circles
- Toe curls and spreads
- Seated heel and toe raises
- Seated knee extensions
- Standing heel raises holding a counter
- Side steps along a counter
Safety first
- • Talk with your doctor before starting a new exercise program, especially if you have a heart, lung, joint or balance condition.
- • Stop and seek help if you feel chest pain, dizziness, unusual shortness of breath, or sharp pain.
- • Move within a comfortable range. Mild effort is expected; pain is not.
- • Check your feet every day for cuts, blisters or redness, because you may not feel them.
- • If you notice a new blister, cut, sore, swelling, redness, or other foot injury, stop exercises that put pressure on the affected foot and contact your healthcare professional for guidance.
- • Wear well-fitting shoes and avoid exercising barefoot.
- • Ask your doctor or a physical therapist before starting, especially if you have diabetes or foot wounds.
This article is general education, not individual medical advice. Talk with a qualified healthcare professional about your own situation.