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Can neuropathy in my feet cause balance problems?
Podiatrist has diagnosed me with minor neuropathy but my balance is worsening. Can neuropathy cause this. I know that input from the feet can cause balance problems
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Oh, yes! I have occasional balance issues when I tilt to one side for no good reason, but quickly recover. My tripping comes from not picking up my feet. I'm trying to figure out why so I can start correcting this. Amazingly, I'm pretty good on ice so there's hope.
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1 ReactionI went to PT few years ago for balance issues, and I could not do what they wanted me to at all.
That’s how bad my balance is
I don’t think they understood that I can’t feel my feet at all!
I cannot feel to walk, nothing to grip my toes on.
After several weeks I stopped going for that reason.
That’s exactly what I do now.
Not worth maybe falling and breaking a hip.
Then I’d be really in deep dodo.
One of the side effects of neuropathy is foot drop (which causes people to trip over their own feet). I have bilateral foot drop. I wear TurboMed XTern AFOs which are amazing. In addition to foot drop, I have paralysis in my toes which makes my balance horrible. When I wear my XTern AFOs I can walk without using a cane or walker.
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2 ReactionsI have to walk with a walker since my balance is not good to walk independently. Do folks here walk with a walker?
I do especially when I leave the house.
I found a lightweight. 3 wheeled walker from Carex.
It’s about 8 lbs, and very easy for me to lift into my backseat.
Because it’s so compact, I’m able to maneuver it even in tight spaces.
This gives me peace of mind, and I don’t worry about falling when I’m out and about.
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1 ReactionSame here, bilateral drop foot, PN toes to shins and poor balance. I've been wearing AFO's for almost 4 years. They go on first thing in the morning and off at bedtime. They tend to become a little annoying after 12 hours but offer huge benefit and have not tripped since wearing them and offers me improved balance. Ed
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1 ReactionThis article title made me laugh but it really describes the way I walk, especially during the winter time.
--- Walk like a penguin: Keeping your winter balance: https://newsnetwork.mayoclinic.org/discussion/walk-like-a-penguin-keeping-your-winter-balance/
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1 ReactionOh yes! It sure can.
I’m 3 months out from knee replacement. My knee is improving, but my imbalance is not improving. I don’t have pain from my periferal neuropathy. How do I get my balance back?