Neuropathy and skiing

Mr. M

Active Member
Messages
28
Type of diabetes
LADA
Treatment type
Insulin
Dear all,

As we (diagnosed with neuropathy) all know we lose our balance frequently. That is because the data transport via the nervs from the feet to our brain, and vice-versa, is dusturbed. My diagnoses came two years ago and I have been skiing for over 40 years new.
But tis week it came to an end. I cannot control my ski's anymore. They are all over de place. I blame my neuropathy for this lack of control. If the communication between my brains and my feet is disrupted (slow data speed, nervs dying off) , how can the brain steer my feet in the right direction to control the ski's?

Are my thoughts correct? Any experiences?

Thanks, Marten
 
Last edited:

KennyA

Moderator
Staff Member
Moderator
Messages
3,849
Type of diabetes
Treatment type
Diet only
Dear all,

As we (diagnosed with neuropathy) all know we lose our balance frequently. That is because the data transport via the nervs from the feet to our brain, and vice-versa, is dusturbed. My diagnoses came two years ago and I have been skiing for over 40 years new.
But tis week it came to an end. I cannot control my ski's anymore. They are all over de place. I blame my neuropathy for this lack of control. If the communication between my btains and my feet is disrupted (slow data speed, nervs dying off) , how can the brain steer my feet in the right direction to control the ski's?

Are my thoughts correct? Any experiences?

Thanks, Marten
I guess it depends on the exact neuropathy symptoms you have, and to what extent. Mine didn't involve numbness, just stabbing and burning pains. I didn't, and don't, notice any issues with balance - I play football three times a week and I guess it would be noticeable...
 

Mr. M

Active Member
Messages
28
Type of diabetes
LADA
Treatment type
Insulin
Thank you Kenny. I have indeed a lot of balance problems. It takes eg a couple of seconds to find the balance after rising from a chair or couch.
And I have the burning pains and walking on socks on tiles hurts like walking on the pebbles of the Mediterranean beaches......
 

Antje77

Guru
Retired Moderator
Messages
20,839
Type of diabetes
LADA
Treatment type
Insulin
But tis week it came to an end. I cannot control my ski's anymore. They are all over de place. I blame my neuropathy for this lack of control. If the communication between my btains and my feet is disrupted (slow data speed, nervs dying off) , how can the brain steer my feet in the right direction to control the ski's?

Are my thoughts correct? Any experiences?
I don't have neuropathy thankfully but this sounds very frustrating if you love skiing.
I couldn't say if your thoughts are correct (forum rules on diagnosing to start with, and I'm not a neurologist, let alone one with access to your file), but it sounds very plausible to me.

I have some nerve damage (not diabetes related) in my left arm and it affects my writing in a way that sounds like your skiing. You know what's supposed to happen, you expect it to happen, but the result turns out to be mostly illegible, which is what I expect happens to your skis.
Mind, I still can mostly decipher my own shopping lists, and I suppose you can still take the easiest pistes if you go slow. But I have to write along with the yearly Groot Dictee der Nederlandse Taal on my computer or I'll fall behind on the first sentence, it HURTS if I write by hand, and I wouldn't be able to read what I wrote.

Have you been seen by a neurologist about your symptoms?
 

Mr. M

Active Member
Messages
28
Type of diabetes
LADA
Treatment type
Insulin
Thank you Antje.
I was diagnosed in sept '22 with LADA and in the same month the neuropathy showed up. Diagnosed officially a few months later. Last year also neuropathy of the Femoralis nerve (responsible for the upper leg muscle). I am almost 71 now.

And yes, nerve damage is no fun. ;)
 
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