Peripheral Neuropathy
Do you look down at your feet while walking?
Peripheral neuropathy commonly affects the feet and lower legs. Peripheral neuropathy can happen if your have diabetes, previously underwent chemotherapy, or may occur for unknown reasons, especially in older adults. Although your touch sensation can be diminished, other sensory information to our feet and legs can be affected by peripheral neuropathy too. Our position sense (knowing where our feet are in space), without using our vision, is oftentimes impaired. This is one reason you may find yourself looking at your feet while walking. You are using your vision to compensate for the impaired proprioceptive sense. This position sense can be improved through mobility of the ankles and feet and training our body in various situations with less reliance on our vision. Balance, coordination, and a consistent exercise routine are also emphasized.