Connect
Is loss of balance your primary complaint with neuropathy?
Is the loss of balance your primary complaint with PN? And, fear of falling?
I have no pain in my feet. I do have numbness of primarily my toes and forefoot, and to a lesser degree of the whole foot and ankles. My feet have weird sensations of walking on mashed potatoes and sliding sideways; when I haven’t actually moved at all. Scary. I claw at the air thinking I am falling. My toes are curled and they feel stuck together. Carpeting really adds to the sliding sensation.
I am a 73y old woman and, up until the last year, I volunteered with an animal rescue and walked on uneven cement dog runs, cleaning enclosures and feeding and walking dogs. Eight years 2-3 hours, several times a week. Retired nurse and never had a sit down job. Could walk for hours in DC, just exploring.
Now I have to hold onto something when walking or I feel like I am falling. Not going out as often. Sliding sensation is mostly at home on LVP flooring and carpeting on stairs. I wear slipper socks at home. Referred to a neurologist and saw him after a 3 month wait. He has great reviews. At first he was encouraging, sure that I had an inherited condition, which I was sure I did not. 2nd visit, after lab work, he attributed it to SFN related to metabolic syndrome. He had just attended a conference. He then added ALA to the B12 prescribed by my primary. He didn’t even know if ALA was over the counter, so he sent an Rx to my pharmacy. Said he would see me in a year. I felt dismissed. Never even looked at my feet. I did research, and now take R-ALA 300 mg twice a day and B12 2000 mcg once a day. Not sure if I have been taking the supplements long enough to notice a difference. Research led me to toe spacers, toe exercises, Hoka Clifton shoes, floor based foot massager, open toe compression foot socks, and Bengay at night; Bengay for discomfort but not pain when going to bed. Actually, I bought the Hoka shoes before the numbness started, because my balance felt off. They are the only shoe I can wear now. Starting today, I am experimenting with a Zero Sunrise shoes as opposed to slipper socks in the house, to increase feeling in my feet. I have a purchased a Bob and Brad massage gun, but have not opened the box yet.
I am thinking of asking for a referral to a podiatrist to actually have my feet seen and suggestions for improving balance.
I welcome your experience and suggestions for what has worked for you.
Like
Helpful
HugInterested in more discussions like this? Go to the Neuropathy Support Group.
Connect
@3740 they don’t know for sure, but I’ve been pre-diabetic for many years, and one doctor told me that might be the reason. Because I’m pre-diabetic, I’m not on the diabetic medications they have.
@3740 they don’t know for sure, but I’ve been pre-diabetic for many years, and one doctor told me that might be the reason. Because I’m pre-diabetic, I’m not on the diabetic medications they have. I’m 77. What caused yours?
@bouf1948 I was diagnosed with Stage 4 Lung Cancer in November 2022 and given 6-8 months to live if I didn’t do anything. 🥲 I started almost immediately with 10 Radiation Treatments. 5 “heavy” Chemotherapy Treatments and ended with 3 Chemo KEYTRUDA Treatments. I’m VERY GRATEFUL for my Life and Hopeful my Neuropathy “goes away”. I have gone with Physical Therapy. Acupuncture. Gabapentin. Lyrica. Chiropractic. Whatever other suggestions. Nothing works because the Chemicals have damaged the Nerves ….. it takes time … I Hope 😎
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
3 ReactionsI’m so glad you beat the odds! I hope your neuropathy goes away on its own. I don’t know anything about neuropathy from chemo. I do have better days when I eat less sugar and carbs. I didn’t have luck with gabapentin. Back when I could get it, hydrocodone helped. Keep active and walk if you can - that helps. I’ve tried everything you mentioned without success. I wish you well!
@sewsforfun HI this is quieetruver mght I sugest you check what other customers are saying about fitville shoes. Most I read is not good. sounds like a chinese company. and I haven't found eho the owner is. So as a precaution please check it out good thanks for hearing me out and I hope this will answer your questions.
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
1 Reaction@bouf1948 Quietriver good morning They keep telling me I'm on the edge and have. been since 1972. I use raw apple cider two tbls to 4 oz water and dring 1/2 before each meal. That is according to studies will cure type 2 Dibetis in six. weeks. as I continue to eat my sweets it just keeps me pre if I wiuld stop I and I did for six mo and my blood sugar dropped to about 120.It seems to me that eack time I get down they lower the count so I'm high again. so I will just keep on with my ACV and what ever the count is live with it. I won't take drugs or shots for it. only natural cures. When I stop and think about it we didn't have this problem many years ago like the 1930to the 1950. But during that time we had real doctors the wasn't in it for the money. Are food veg and meats wern't poisened by chemicals like they are today. one of the things I found the realy helps me is garden fresh grown with out chemical fertilizers and eat only from cattle that is open field and grass fed beef or pork the same way..
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
1 Reaction@allegheny I have had neuropathy that started after cancer treatment 10years ago. It started with the feeling like my socks were all bunched up under my toes & has gotten progressively worse. It has now progressed up to my ankles & balance is a problem but I am also 81 years have stenosis of the spine which I understand can contribute to neuropathy. But last years by evening my feet felt like they were on fire. My doctor put me on Duloxetine & almost immediately they were 98% better. I still have neuropathy, balance isn’t any better but I am much more comfortable at night & sleep has improved. I think everybody’s neuropathy can present differently it’s just finding what works for each of us. Good luck.
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
5 ReactionsWelcome @pann, Thanks for sharing what helps you. You might also be interested in these related discussions:
-- Chemotherapy-induced neuropathy: What helps get rid of it?
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/chemotherapy-induced-neuropathy/
-- Neuropathy: Cymbalta helped my husband. What helped you?
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/neuropathy-32/
Have you tried any balance exercises to see if they may help improve your balance?
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
4 Reactions@johnbishop yes I have & they do help. There are days better than others.
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
3 Reactions@johnbishop You mentioned balance exercises. Is there any I can find on Mayo Clinic site? Needing exercises for balance & neuropathy? Any help finding some simple balance exercises so appreciated. I’ve looked on other sites and haven’t found the right ones to fit my needs.