Whenever I exercise, I get flares in both my hands and my feet. Although uncomfortable, I can deal with my hands (I discovered a few years ago, prior to my diagnosis, that if I hold them in a certain type of fist, it really helps with the swelling and my hands "last longer" before then get red/hot)
The big problem I have (and I'd think many other here do too) is that my feet flare up anytime I exercise! I'm trying to get into running, and even got shoes that are more "breathable", but the flares still happen. I also find that not only do I get red, hot, and swollen, but my feet also get tingly, like that feeling with some part of your body "falls asleep". It's not as bad as when, lets say, I'm sleeping on my arm wrong and feel like it's going to fall off, but I think it's a newer thing, and I really noticed it yesterday. I still try and push through my symptoms, but at some point I end up wanting to just go home so I can take my shoes off. Does anyone else ever get this tingling sensation?
Ultimately, I'm wondering if anyone has any tips on how to either keep symptoms at bay or easily relieve symptoms so you can exercise (or really do any kind of physical activity, like prolonged walking or something).
hi leelee, I hope people here can come up with some great suggestions because I would love to hear them. I can't even try to push through anymore in running or walking because not only do my feet get so hot and swollen and really painful, after I stop and relax for a while, then get back on my feet, I feel like I have pieces of tiny gravel or small pieces of broken glass inside my feet. I've been really athletic my entire life, but these past few years the symptoms have gotten so bad that I can hardly walk or stand for long periods, much less exercise. especially outside!
SWIMMING! I know not everyone has easy access to this, but if you can find a place to swim, try it. Any land exercise makes my toes flare, but I can swim as hard and as long as I want with NO flaring. I think the water regulates the temp of the skin on my toes in a way that air cannot. This is a heated/warmish pool I've used, too - not cool water!
Hi leelee, I have also, quite recently, started experiencing the tingling sensation you mention, mainly in my toes. I can no longer walk for more than 30 minutes tops - which means my favourite hobby of shopping has gone out of the window! I am going to give swimming a go again as suggested by LibbyK, although it does help keep my feet from flaring when I am in the pool, I found once I got out my feet immediately went into overdrive - but at least it is good exercise and better than doing none at all.
Hi Lindaizias - I know exactly how you are feeling - like you I have enjoyed exercise all of my life and until my EM symptoms I was proud to call myself a gym bunny! I really miss exercise as I cannot do any now without awful flare ups. I can also relate to the feeling of tiny gravel or small peices of broken glass. I can't even join my husband at the moment to take our dogs for a walk as my feet are just too painful and starting flaring as soon as I put my trainers on. With the UK presently experiencing high temperatures I am spending all my time indoors - even at a family b-b-q on Saturday I had to come indoors - and I was hosting it! So depressing!!
Have you tried swimming?
lindaizias said:
hi leelee, I hope people here can come up with some great suggestions because I would love to hear them. I can't even try to push through anymore in running or walking because not only do my feet get so hot and swollen and really painful, after I stop and relax for a while, then get back on my feet, I feel like I have pieces of tiny gravel or small pieces of broken glass inside my feet. I've been really athletic my entire life, but these past few years the symptoms have gotten so bad that I can hardly walk or stand for long periods, much less exercise. especially outside!
I also get the tingling feeling, it becomes quite severe when exercising. I have found that cycling is the best form of exercise for me, either in air conditioned gym or cool evening/early morning breeze.! I have found the longer I've been doing it the easier it has become, not sure if it's because my body has got used to it or because I am focussing more on my pushing myself. I find flares induced by exercise can be relieved by a cool shower straight afterwards. good luck
That is a fantastic idea! I have gained a insane amount of weight since I have gotten sick, I am in bed most of the day with a fan on. I have given up cooking and grocery shopping because I am so uncomfortable and I get really dizzy and nauseated. Showering makes me itch but it’s better than being on fire. I will definitely give swimming a try
I have had EM probably all the my life but didn’t know it was a condition until I heard that my cousin had similar symptoms (so I assume it is genetic). I’m now 30 and seem to have more problems with my hands flaring up during winter due to dressing more warmly. Feet are a nightmare in summer particularly in sandles. I think socks and breathable trainers are best. Anyway - here some things I do to help and things I am trying:
Hands :
•elevate the hands during a flair up.
• wear gloves even if it’s just a bit cold outside at least for a time to allow body temperature to gradually adjust.
• I keep cooling gel packs in the fridge so I can gently pat them over my hands during a flare up.
•use the fan
Feet:
• I never soak my feet in water because I have heard the sudden temperature change can make it worse - instead use the fan on your feet.
• I’m going to try trainer socks with sandals in summer (even though it feels dorky and unstylish - it may be the only way I can do a hike up a hill without my feet burning in my walking boots!)
• I always wear socks to bed - even thin ones in summer. Since doing this I rarely get flare ups at night. Also don’t put the blankets over you immediately if you are already a bit warm as this will make a sudden increase in body temperature.
I have burning and tingling feet/ EM . I got some wiggly gel boots that go in frig. Amazon …They slip on easily and the Velcro them wearing for about 10 min.
I also found an herbalist that has helped tremendously where I have less flare ups and am not on any drugs from doctors that had horrible side affects. My neurologist saw pics of my hot red feet and the change with taking these no side affect herbs and said I do not need to see him any more. He also wrote down their name. I also take pine bark: Pycnoginal
The bottle says one pill which is 6000 MG, but I take three after researching the use of Pycnoginal For EM. Pinebark also rejuvenates Nerve cell and also has a calming effect.
The people can be reached at: how mrsmangoandco@aol.com
They fill the herb pills there with fresh herbs
I got the neuropathy blend and the frankincense
, turmeric, and ginger pills . They are happy to receive phone calls and emails. They knew exactly what Erythromialgia
Was where as I have to explain it to every doctor I have ever visited .
Their website is mrsmangoandcompany.com
