Flooring for neuropathy

[SDAffirm]

If you have neuropathy in your feet, do you have unique solutions on types of flooring to put down? I'm moving to a new apartment and I'm thinking about getting that garage flooring you see at Home Depot or Loewe's and putting linoleum over it for the kitchen floor. What do you do to minimize stress on your feet?

[COwithAMN Administrator AMN EASIER Volunteer]

This type of flooring will presumably be soft on the feet so from that perspective it would be good. My problem with it would be that my walking is fairly poor, with much foot drag, so I shuffle a lot. This type of flooring catches the foot a lot I suspect, so I would be tripping as a result. I prefer smooth floors so that I can shuffle, but the downside is that I could slip.

By the way, I found a long time ago that I had what I call "toe-claw" as a result of AMN. I found a material that I use to make toe supports that give me improved balance and comfort. If you want something more on this, let me know.

[wilburlois15 in reply to COwithAMN]

I also don't pick up my feet enough and I agree entirely with you. Lower friction is better. I prefer smooth floorboards or stone/tiles to carpet and rubber/plastic. I occasionally have problems with slipping/skidding but this is rare and much rarer than the constant problem I have with tripping over things. I just shuffle around in my socks at home.

[wilburlois15 in reply to COwithAMN]

BTW, I find that hospitals are probably the worst places to walk around. Rubber floors and plenty of obstacles ...

[mariagno]

I agree with the above, smooth and firm is the way to go. I live in Texas where we are warm most of the year. Our floors are either tile or wood. Our bedroom is the only challenge with a deep pile.

I use both a wheelchair and a walker. The floors allow both devices to move easily.

Just be careful with some types of high nylon content socks. These can be hazardous on highly polished surfaces.

Ditch unsecured area rugs too.