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

I have had neuropathy for almost 25 years now. 5 years ago I began walking/biking and the results were amazing. Aside from the pain and discomfort of the illness, I could move very well. The past 6 months I have been experiencing an increased level of difficulty in walking. My legs are tight , my calves and hamstrings feel swollen, my ankles feel weak as do my quads. I am walking slower and shorter strides. I’m trying to grasp at straws to figure out what is happening. It dawned on me that all this has happened since I started gabapentin. I am wondering if it is that or the normal progression of the disease? The medication does help so ………

@jum13 That is a very interesting thought...disturbing, too. I, too, have had P.N. for about 25 years and have been taking Pregabalin (Lyrica) for about 4 1/2 years, having briefly tried the Gabapentin (but had side effects right away). This was after about 4 years of spinal injections for pain and then back surgery. As of the last few months I've had increasingly difficult problems with mobility, much as you describe. I appreciate your post - it raises a legitimate concern. If you find an answer, please do keep us posted. Like you said, the medication does help -- a lot, for me. I've not been able to cut back without excruciating pain. Blessings to you, Barb

@allegheny Say if you have neuropathy I don't know what the doctors put you on but alpha lipoic acid improved all the pins and needles and numbness up to 80% or better - it is a supplement - and get Source Naturals from a nature store - I know the person who runs it and he takes it and it works - 600 mg on an empty stomach. Anyway, good luck. It is just a supplement and not a horrible med like gabapentin or Lyrica.

I have Xtern braces and they are great for walking balance, they are pretty costly but I got mine through the VA

That's a nifty design. I prefer strap fasteners on my shoues, but I couldn't snug them up because the straps are too short. Looks like these tie in tothe shoelace.

Stand up slowly

@bjk3

I have a similar issue but only for 3-4 years. I thought “why am I Not getting better”? My PT suggested I go to a Neurologist and get tested for Parkinson’s disease …. sure enough I have IT. IM 83 and Lung Cancer Survivor so I’m not too worried about the Diagnosis. But at least now I know WHY. Dave D. #3740.

@3740 You've had a lot to deal with already. A couple of years ago I seemed to be having "all the earmarks" of M.S., and my doctor, along with his P.A., suspected Parkinson's. They had me tested; I had neither, and I remember feeling disappointed not to have a concrete answer (therefore no plan or treatment). Of course I came to my senses quickly and was/am grateful not to be found with either. I'm 79 ~ no siblings, parents passed in their early 60s ~ so no clues as to what to expect or look out for. Still, we are in God's care. I pray that you know that as well and I thank you for your input. May God bless you, Dave. ~ Barb