Hi Alice @alice90, Welcome to Connect. Thank you for sharing what helps your leg pains. Lots of us have balance as our biggest problem, especially us older ones 🙃. There are quite a few different discussions on balance and neuropathy if you want to scan through and see if you can relate to what has been shared - https://connect.mayoclinic.org/search/discussions/.

The Foundation for Peripheral Neuropathy also has some helpful information on balance:
-- 5 Tips for Maintaining Good Balance & Preventing Falls: https://www.foundationforpn.org/5-tips-for-maintaining-good-balance-preventing-falls/
-- Maintaining Balance: https://www.foundationforpn.org/maintaining-balance/
-- Brain-Based Balance Exercises: https://www.foundationforpn.org/brain-based-balance-exercises/

Have you tried any exercises or physical therapy to help with your balance?

@alice90 Hi Alice - balance is not an issue for everyone with peripheral neuropathy. Some have pain only, good balance and in my case, I have no pain, numbness only, but my balance is not so good. I am in my mid 70's and often walk with a cane. At times, I've been to physical therapy for balance exercises which do help. Keeping your balance is a challenge and yes tiring. I wish you the best and do keep moving with safety in mind the best you can. Ed

@alice90
I am also 91 with PN. I also suffer from bad balance and have to be very careful.
Dan

@alice90
Hi Alice - I take rounds of PT when I feel the need, and my therapist is really encouraging, understanding that for many of us, just our necessary daily activity is exercise for us. In my case, I feel like I’m walking on stilts, all stiff legged because I don’t want my knees to buckle on me which was the biggest problem when I first came down with my PN. It’s really tiring walking and standing that way, and it aches.

My therapist helped me with ways to lessen the discomfort and adopt different methods of standing & walking to help lessen the burden on my knees and thigh muscles. In my case, it took a lot for me to learn how much I could let my knees bend a little and trust not falling. It took leg exercises to make sure I was keeping the muscles around my knees strong. I find ways to make standing up doing the dishes more comfortable. It all helps put less strain on my back as well.

I go back to PT every so often to help make sure my technique remains correct and safe. The last thing we need is a fall! If you haven’t already, I hope you see what PT may be able to offer your specific situation.