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

@allegheny Can you share the name of the device. I will try anything to help this numbness

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

@jum13 Yes gabapentin can cause severe balance problems and falls.

I was prescribed a low dose of gabapentin because of my neuropathy but I began to have balance issues. I didn’t realize the correlation until the dose was increased and I began to stagger into walls. I’d crash into the wall on my left as I walked, take 3 or 4 steps and I’d crash again, and try as I might I couldn’t walk straight.

In my case, I also have had generalized myasthenia gravis since childhood. Gabapentin is contraindicated for people who have MG. I stopped taking the Gabapentin and I don’t have the balance problem anymore.

I also cannot take magnesium supplements because of myasthenia. It inhibits acetylcholine production which can cause a myasthenia crisis.

We tried Duloxetine but it interfered with platelet clotting and I bled a lot.

We’re all different. I’m not suggesting you have myasthenia gravis but gabapentin can cause severe balance issues leading to falls.

@jum13 Yes gabapentin can cause severe balance problems and falls.

I was prescribed a low dose of gabapentin because of my neuropathy but I began to have balance issues. I didn’t realize the correlation until the dose was increased and I began to stagger into walls. I’d crash into the wall on my left as I walked, take 3 or 4 steps and I’d crash again, and try as I might I couldn’t walk straight.

In my case, I also have had generalized myasthenia gravis since childhood. Gabapentin is contraindicated for people who have MG. I stopped taking the Gabapentin and I don’t have the balance problem anymore.

I also cannot take magnesium supplements because of myasthenia. It inhibits acetylcholine production which can cause a myasthenia crisis.

We tried Duloxetine but it interfered with platelet clotting and I bled a lot.

We’re all different. I’m not suggesting you have myasthenia gravis but gabapentin can cause severe balance issues leading to falls.

@bjk3
This reads just like my experience so far. I have been told that there is no treatment for PN but you have been helped by Lyrica. I have been helped by a spinal injection and will look into that again if necessary. I was referred to a neurosurgeon for back surgery but he said he could not help me because I have PN. I will ask my primary care physician about Lyrica. Please continue to let us know how you are doing with this unexpected turn of events.

I have the same condition. It would be nice if you would comment on this subject. As far as I know there is no cure for this condition, just pain medicine which jus makes the drug industry richer.

@bigal1956 I too have loss of balance very bad. I can't drive,swim,run,walk too much, leave my house unattended, play any sports, play with my grandchildren, work in my beloved garden,dance,or travel. I think I have tried everything but so far nothing helps except physical therapy which gives me confidence to do some things because of the physical therapist there to help me . I have fallen more times than I can remember but never badly hurt. So sorry you have this burden, stay positive and don;t give up.

@carmen332 Hi Carmen, I also have balance issues with this idiopathic neuropathy, along with burning and tingling, no pain to complain about. I just purchased Accelera Proprio ankle devices for ankles, battery operated. I have been wearing them for 4 days now, can take at least 3 weeks to see any difference. They do give a 30 day return. Also they are having a sale this summer, $50.00 off. I think I am on the right track for more stability, makes sense as to what the devices are trying to do. I wish I understood a little bit better, I am blonde, sort of, I blame it on that. I will keep everyone posted, if interested. Never give up and keep MOVING!!