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

I’m 71 and dealing with this issue and feel for all of you. I’m positively moving forward even though using all types of creams didn’t do much but sticking with Vicks and castor oil for odd discomforts
In 2025, after many experimentations drs diagnosed
diabetic lumbar sacral radiculoplexopathy lol, a long one
In year 3 and progressing slowly from 2 foot drops, mild to severe (7 ) lumbar, butt, hips knees calves ankle pain to not much now but every day is different nerve pains trying to connect. On gabapentin, T3s to sleep, type 11 meds
Walk with a walker 1000 steps avg but weak quads calves knee and torso. Went to shock therapy and it stimulates nerves and muscles
Have a trainer now doing aquatics hope this helps you folks

I practice two 15 minute balance exercises each day.

I fit as much walking, Tai Chi, balance, flexibility, body weight and band strength exercises in as I can manage.
I'm not completelty religious about it, as motivation ebbs and flows. Still, I do the best I can.
Massage, stretching, contrast therapy and tens help in recovery when I over do things.
I keep a diary so that when I try a new activity or supplement, I can better assess its' effectivenes (that's the old engineer in me coming out).

@newtoni48
You certainly have a plan. I have PN due to celiac disease but more recently I had a shin shave biopsy and am trying to recover from that. The shin is a sensitive area and it has been 8 weeks and I am still dealing with some pain from that. I am doing PT plus I do a stretch program on TV. I want to get exercise to maintain health but I cannot overdo it. It is good that you are keeping a diary so that you can discern what works for you. I should do the same. Do you also write down what symptoms or effects you are feeling?

@newtoni48 keep trying! Mine has become virtually unbearable and poor enough my I watch is telling me I am off balance🙈🙈🙈🙈. Adding Osteoarthritis to them is not helping! I wish I could do better🙏!

@arcuri24 I'm dealing with polyneuropathy and the muscle related side effects of Lipitor and Eliquis. So muscle issues make it easy for me to overdo exercise too.
I keep separate sections in OneNote (since I'm a Windows/Android kinda guy) for each of the conditions I'm tracking. I record whenever I have a flare or other change, how I'm altering anything to address it and followups on how things are working out.
I also keep other notes in that section on any research or other relavent info I find that may be of some use now or down the road.
Dated notations in a condition diary also makes it a lot easier to have productive discussions with your docs.
Wish you well.

Thanks for the details. I am a pen and paper kind of girl but agree that writing it down may help when we go to the doctors. Conditions involving nerves and muscles are very changeable--even the weather and food we eat can make a difference.