Question: I have leg neuropathy and was prescribed Lyrica, which eases the pain. Would you recommend it? Also, what exercises do you recommend for people with feet and leg neuropathy caused by hypothyroidism? Does walking for exercise cause more injury, pain, or neuropathy?
Dr. Hibberd's Answer:
Walking is excellent for patients with vascular disease and neuropathy. Be sure to wear appropriate protective footwear, since your sensation is no doubt reduced by your neuropathy. Exercise helps stimulate new blood vessel formation and healthy venous return by improved muscular tone, all of which is beneficial for patients with neuropathies.
The neuropathy seen with untreated hypothyroidism is often reversible with appropriate thyroid supplementation. Be sure you do not have other endocrine abnormalities (such as diabetes) sometimes associated with hypothyroidism that may be playing a role in your neuropathy.
Lyrica has been a wonderful medication for victims of painful neuropathy, but it is only a symptom reliever, it does not treat the disease.
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