How do you manage neuropathy and loss of balance and walking ability?

@chelsea2357 I've just been diagnosed with macular degeneration. I had double vision for several months before I went to an eye doctor. It has nothing to do with PM, just age and genetics. Go to an eye doctor to be tested. The longer you wait, It takes longer to heal.

John,

Can you please refer me to the Neuropathy Burning feet group? Or, someone else. I have seen that as a separate discussion, but can no longer find the link. thank you. Caleb

@highdesertdweller - Here's one of the discussions about burning feet with neuropathy -
-- Small Fiber Neuropathy burning?: https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/small-fiber-neuropathy-burning/

There are quite a few discussions on the burning feet symptoms. Here's a search of Connect using "burning feet and neuropathy" - https://connect.mayoclinic.org/search/discussions/.

I started using a single point cane. I can walk just fine but periodically due to my PN my right leg gives out and I fall. I haven’t hurt myself yet and a physiatrist visit on 11/18/25.

@jenatsky
I had a problem for years of my legs suddenly giving out for no apparent reason. I literally fell a thousand times over several years, including several bad falls on my face on concrete. Turns out my liver was not making enough Glutathione, a substance that is involved in many bodily functions, including muscle strength. (Liver function can be damaged by hundreds of poisons in the environment, and by poor diet. Most people suffer some liver damage.). Doctors had no clue, even multiple neurologists. I did years of research on my own. The solution was to take milk thistle (inexpensive, available in powder or capsules). It fixed my liver, and now I only have to take a capsule 2-3 times a week to keep my Glutathione up. You can take Glutathione itself, but it is expensive, and you need to take quite a lot of it, regularly. Better to fix your liver with Milk Thistle and give it necessary nutrients with a good diet with lots of green veggies. Milk Thistle is safe with no negative side effects.

@jenatsky Jake - I use a cane as well and I have a right leg that gives way from time to time, and my issue are my knees, right one is far worse. Been to 2 orthopedic surgeons and both refuse to do replacements because of my PN and potential of falling on the knee which could be devastating. Both surgeons agree I'd typically be a strong candidate for replacement. My cane is always on my right side and you're right, saves falls. Ed

Hi! This isn't a well-visited site, but I wanted to throw in something I have found for my PN (idiopathic, sensorimotor, progressing so fast!): My husband bought me a Hypershell Exoskeleton and it absolutely helps my walking. If you can lift your legs even an inch or so, it will help you - it has all kinds of levels (for stairs, hiking, etc.), and adjustments for even a weaker leg. Sits like a heavy fanny pack (battery is there) on your hips, or order suspenders. Anyway, worth a look-see. I was able to go to the beach this year and walk on the sand - wonderful feeling. I wear it in the garden, and shopping too! Game changer. 'Hypershell disability users' on FB for videos of people using, and hints. Hugs to all of us.

I have had Polyneuropathy for about 10 years. I was doing ok while walking but then my right meniscus torn in my right knee.
Five and six years later I had both knees replaced. (2019 & 2020)

I was doing ok until I started losing my balance. I walked around looking like I was drunk. After testing, I was diagnosed with Functional Movement Disorder FMD. or FND.
It has nothing to do with the Polyneuropathy, or the knee replacements.

FMD is a problem with the brain communication with the body systems. It’s like a software problem.
Unfortunately, it’s not curable, I have to use a cane or walker when I go out.

Now I have several other things going on. I have an appointment with the Pulmonologist at Mayo this week.

@again Thank you for sharing. How did the doctor find out your liver was not making enough Glutathione? Thanks! Mike

@domiha
No doctor ever figured it out—I went to dozens, including four neurologists, and they tested me for the stuff in their fields, but always came up negative. None of them did any research. One even “fired” me because I didn’t have M.S. So I read and researched literally for years until I finally figured it out. Eventually I put it together. Now I know there are books about Glutathione (I encourage you to get one), but I didn’t find one until I’d done hours and hours of research and tried dozens of supplements. (I’ve got $1000 worth of powders and pills in my closet). Glutathione helps lots of health issues (and lots of other antioxidants do too, although none half as much as glutathione). That’s why I go on these sites to share when I find someone looking for answers, and tell everyone I know who might be helped by it. I actually think all old people ought to try it, even if they don’t have severe problems like falling down. We are all exposed to so much toxic stuff that our livers are damaged, some severely, like you and me, and some not so much. None of us make as much glutathione as we did when we were young. So please tell other people. Doctors sure aren’t going to! If it doesn’t help, they’re out $20; if it does, it may change their lives. Either way, it can’t hurt anyone. If you don’t need it, your body will just treat it as a protein and break it down for other things.