Periferal neuropathy and loss odbalance and walking ability

I have the same condition. It would be nice if you would comment on this subject. As far as I know there is no cure for this condition, just pain medicine which jus makes the drug industry richer.

@bigal1956: Hi! I wish I had a cure I could suggest; however, I question if there is one. I have found lidocane type topicals very effective TEMPORARYILY! Some CBD creams, menthol based gels, Voleran cream, etc also give minimal amount of relief.
Balance and muscle/bone building exercise can help us from Falling! I do yoga (chair or floor) and am adding tai chi too! You may agree/disagree with my proactive approach, but then again you may see if this positively affects your neuropathy? We both know sitting on the couch doesn’t help! 🙂

Thanks for your feedback!
True, no cure so far. Luckily I don't have pain, but numbness. It looks like dizziness may come from drugs side effects. Originally the the numbness was attributed to Lumbar stenosis and afterwards to diabetes. I have declined surgery. So far exercises and physical therapy do help, but not a lot. I can not walk stairs, don't drive anymore. Do supplements help? Are there any unconventional alternatives?

I don’t have pain. But, I have major balance problems when walking. PT has helped so much. And, finding shoes that you feel safe and balanced in. Shoes seem to be different for everyone. But, staying active is key, and being helped, with the correct strengthening and balance exercises, with a Physical Therapist made a big change in my confidence. Went from a rolling walker to a cane. Stepping up onto a curb or navigating a patched parking lot is no longer a problem. I will be honest in that I haven’t kept up all my exercises, but I do walk regularly and use a recumbent bike and a portable elliptical machine. And, for me, foot massage is helpful.
I wear Hoka Clifton 9, but it isn’t the shoe for everyone. I suggest you research shoes for improving balance and try them on in person. Take your time and try several shoes and walk the store. Good luck.

Hi Rachel. I don’t have much pain either and also quit driving. But my nerve damage is really bad and I’ve fallen several times the past couple years due to balance. Ended up in the ER with a head injury and 2 sprained ankles.

Balance exercises can help a lot but I’ve found that being very mindful of my steps, not turning suddenly, and not multitasking is very important. Using a cane for me has been essential for years. But I recently got a wheelchair for going out places as my legs are now too weak. But I also have additional health problems that make walking too difficult. But having the little motorized chair is fantastic.

I have balance & numbness problems with my neuropathy & I do 2 different types of exercises that help me with my mobility. 3 days a week I use the weight machines @ Planet Fitness 3 off days I spend 30 t0 40 minutes on a Treadmill. I concentrate on strengthening my legs which helps me to not fall. I also spend lot of time working in our yard yard pulling weeds & caring for our flowers & vegetable garden. Setting down for an hour or so is not good for my balance. After setting too long holding on to something is necessary for stability. I have no pain with my neuropathy& that’s a blessing.
Frank

My hubby has numb feet which in summer and wearing sandals is scary. His balance is also poor. But the pain...is in his upper back of legs below the buttocks. When still he is fine..when he moves its agony. Pain killers no good no matter how strong !! Got NP pills from USA this morning. Will update you after 1 week to see if they are helping...155.00 euros plus import duty fee for 3 bottles.

@rachel44
How long ago were you diagnosed? What testing and treatments did you get by your neurologist? Are you on any medications or supplements now?

Have you had a MRI of your brain and cervical spine? Any compression of your spinal cord/nerve roots and nerves can can affect your balance and walking, etc. You may also benefit from seeing an orthopedic spine specialist to review imaging and symptoms.

I've been working with peripheral neuropathy for over 10 years now. My first issue was simply falling backwards in a darkened room.
There's no magic cure. I figure my neurologist will update me if something comes up.
My affliction is one of balance, lower extremity pain and numbness. Some pelvis involvement, which causes me to be very much aware of when I might have to go pee pee.
I'm kind of a Luddite when it comes to taking these drugs that might affect my brain. I have some concerns about sitting in a chair and staring at the wall. I take Tylenol on a regular basis to help with the pain.
I've also been blessed with poor venus circulation in my lower legs, which causes an even more problem with the walking and balance.
At this point, I use rollator devices around the house and when I'm out somewhere. I keep a small one in the car.
At 77, I'm still alive with a very capable brain, but kind of a crippled body.
Carry on. Do the best you can.

When I try to use a stationary bike or a treadmill or elliptical, in 2 minutes my legs are getting numb and it it affects my balance. For this reason I am not able to have even a normal stress test EKG.
I was diagnosed first with Lumbar stenosis about 10 years ago and afterwards with Type II Diabetes.
To add to neuropathy my 15 years Meniere's disease causes sporadic dizziness episodes.
I fell several times, just based on balance problems and neuropathy caused weakness.
Went trough multiple tests with Neurogists, ENT, cariologists, endocrinologists. Tests helped to identify the problems, but have not helped to make my life easier.
Currently I rely on Physical Therapy, exercises and being very cautious walking . Up and down the curb, stairs, bending, streching are way beyond my limits.
I deeply appreciate you sharing your ways in fighting periferal neuropathy and balance problems.