Periferal neuropathy and loss odbalance and walking ability

Posted by rachel44 @rachel44, 4 days ago

How do you manage the situation when periferal neuropathy affects your balance and walking ability?

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@bigal1956

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.

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Some antidepressants help with numbness and pain. I also take alpha lipoic (OTC) acid which helped even more to reduce numbness. It has also helped my back pain.

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@rachel44

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?

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Alpha lipoic acid (OTC) really helps with numbness and has been proven to help with diabetic neuropathy. I don't have that type of neuropathy but it still helped me quite a bjt. Cymbala also helped.

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I have similar symptoms..... numbness, tingling, very occasional burning.... but no real pain, and I consider that a blessing. The numbness has also affected my proprioception, so balance is an issue. One thing I have found that helps a lot is barefoot shoes. If you search for those on Amazon or google, you will find many different brands and styles. Basically, they give more room in the toe box for the toes to be able to expand, and there is less sole on the shoes so you can feel the floor/ground better. I have found some for $40 to $50 that work great. If I'm going to be walking a lot, I take my cane with me just as a precaution. Another thing I found from another member here is that AFOs (Ankle Foot Orthoses) can help with balance for some people. Again, I purchased some from Amazon made of polystyrene (hard plastic) and I wear those underneat the inserts in my shoes. I also found a used pair made of polycarbon material (thin metal) on Ebay for $200. New ones through an ortho clinic cost from $600 to $1000 each. For ME, they give me more of a sense of rigidity in my lower legs/ankles and that makes it easier to balance. Yes, I still wobble at times, but not as much. Lastly, just this week I read about something called nano socks for neuropathy. I checked on Amazon and found some that are about the same but by another brand. They are compression socks without the toe portion. I CANNOT explain HOW, but the minute I put these on, they made a difference in the way my feet feel. The ones I found are $10 a pair, so not too expensive to give them a try. I don't really FEEL them on my feet, but for whatever reason they make my feet feel more "normal." I like them so much I have ordered enough to wear them everyday. I do take them off to sleep. I hope these ideas might be helpful to someone.... or lead you to research other things that may help you with this disease. There is no cure, but if we can find something to make it a bit more bearable, that's a plus. Best wishes to all! Mike

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@rachel44

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.

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Is your ENT cleaning wax out of your ears? I remember reading to hydrate w/electrolytes and lie on the edge of your bed, head to one side for 3 minutes, then reverse. Balance head in between. Try u tube exercises for this. LSVT

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I have peripheral neuropathy in both legs from knee to my feet. I can’t walk without a walker. I do have a transport chair that my wife can push me around in stores. I am being treated by a neurosurgeon. I had major back surgery 3 years ago. I’ve had the neuropathy for 3 years but not being able to walk just started last fall. So I’ve had an X-ray a MRI on my neck, an EMG and a Myleogram CT. I see the neurosurgeon at the end of the month. I fear I will be in a wheelchair the rest of my life. I will be 76 in June. I’ve beat stage 4 cancer and a heart attack. But this I don’t believe I will beat.

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I went on a keto diet and took alpha-lipoic acid and after 7-8 months the feeling came back except for my toesand later added acetyl-l-carnitine and got feeling back in my toes. These all help with inflammation and carnitine can help with nerve repair.

Acetyl-L-carnitine (ALC) is a naturally occurring compound that has been studied for its potential role in nerve regeneration.
Mechanism of Action:
ALC is thought to promote nerve regeneration by:
Increasing energy production in nerve cells, Protecting nerve cells from damage, Stimulating the production of nerve growth factors, and Improving blood flow to nerves.
Evidence from Studies:
Several studies have investigated the effects of ALC on nerve regeneration. Some key findings include:
Animal studies:
ALC has been shown to improve nerve regeneration in animals with nerve injuries.
Human studies:
Small studies in humans have shown that ALC can improve pain, numbness, and tingling in people with diabetic neuropathy (nerve damage caused by diabetes).
Meta-analysis:
A meta-analysis of several studies concluded that ALC is effective in improving nerve regeneration in people with diabetic neuropathy.
Dosage and Administration:
The recommended dosage of ALC for nerve regeneration is typically 2-3 grams per day, taken in divided doses. It can be taken as a powder, capsule, or liquid.
Safety and Side Effects:
ALC is generally considered safe when taken in recommended dosages. However, some people may experience mild side effects such as nausea, diarrhea, and stomach upset.
Conclusion:
Based on available evidence, ALC may be a promising supplement for promoting nerve regeneration. However, more research is needed to confirm its effectiveness and determine the optimal dosage and duration of treatment. It is important to consult with a healthcare professional before taking ALC, especially if you have any underlying health conditions.

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@domiha

I have similar symptoms..... numbness, tingling, very occasional burning.... but no real pain, and I consider that a blessing. The numbness has also affected my proprioception, so balance is an issue. One thing I have found that helps a lot is barefoot shoes. If you search for those on Amazon or google, you will find many different brands and styles. Basically, they give more room in the toe box for the toes to be able to expand, and there is less sole on the shoes so you can feel the floor/ground better. I have found some for $40 to $50 that work great. If I'm going to be walking a lot, I take my cane with me just as a precaution. Another thing I found from another member here is that AFOs (Ankle Foot Orthoses) can help with balance for some people. Again, I purchased some from Amazon made of polystyrene (hard plastic) and I wear those underneat the inserts in my shoes. I also found a used pair made of polycarbon material (thin metal) on Ebay for $200. New ones through an ortho clinic cost from $600 to $1000 each. For ME, they give me more of a sense of rigidity in my lower legs/ankles and that makes it easier to balance. Yes, I still wobble at times, but not as much. Lastly, just this week I read about something called nano socks for neuropathy. I checked on Amazon and found some that are about the same but by another brand. They are compression socks without the toe portion. I CANNOT explain HOW, but the minute I put these on, they made a difference in the way my feet feel. The ones I found are $10 a pair, so not too expensive to give them a try. I don't really FEEL them on my feet, but for whatever reason they make my feet feel more "normal." I like them so much I have ordered enough to wear them everyday. I do take them off to sleep. I hope these ideas might be helpful to someone.... or lead you to research other things that may help you with this disease. There is no cure, but if we can find something to make it a bit more bearable, that's a plus. Best wishes to all! Mike

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I also find barefoot shoes to make a huge difference and I practice balance exercises - in yoga and also randomly at home (like standing on one foot while my coffee brews or standing on a foam balance cushion)

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@domiha

I have similar symptoms..... numbness, tingling, very occasional burning.... but no real pain, and I consider that a blessing. The numbness has also affected my proprioception, so balance is an issue. One thing I have found that helps a lot is barefoot shoes. If you search for those on Amazon or google, you will find many different brands and styles. Basically, they give more room in the toe box for the toes to be able to expand, and there is less sole on the shoes so you can feel the floor/ground better. I have found some for $40 to $50 that work great. If I'm going to be walking a lot, I take my cane with me just as a precaution. Another thing I found from another member here is that AFOs (Ankle Foot Orthoses) can help with balance for some people. Again, I purchased some from Amazon made of polystyrene (hard plastic) and I wear those underneat the inserts in my shoes. I also found a used pair made of polycarbon material (thin metal) on Ebay for $200. New ones through an ortho clinic cost from $600 to $1000 each. For ME, they give me more of a sense of rigidity in my lower legs/ankles and that makes it easier to balance. Yes, I still wobble at times, but not as much. Lastly, just this week I read about something called nano socks for neuropathy. I checked on Amazon and found some that are about the same but by another brand. They are compression socks without the toe portion. I CANNOT explain HOW, but the minute I put these on, they made a difference in the way my feet feel. The ones I found are $10 a pair, so not too expensive to give them a try. I don't really FEEL them on my feet, but for whatever reason they make my feet feel more "normal." I like them so much I have ordered enough to wear them everyday. I do take them off to sleep. I hope these ideas might be helpful to someone.... or lead you to research other things that may help you with this disease. There is no cure, but if we can find something to make it a bit more bearable, that's a plus. Best wishes to all! Mike

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Thank you for the information on nano socks. I have been using compression socks and found they ease the discomfort of neuropathy but too much pressure on my toes. Now I will look into the toeless ones.

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IVIG Panzyga helps balance and walking. I walk with two canes that wrap around my arm.

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