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

Posted by rachel44 @rachel44, May 18, 2025

How do you manage the situation when periferal neuropathy affects your balance and walking ability?

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@johnbishop My husband had RLS and he swears by magnesium supplements. Although, his dr did give him some Lyrica to try. He swears by that, too. But the dosage is tricky. Too much, and he sleepwalks.

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Be alert to your surroundings. Pay attention to what you are doing - don't sightsee. Don't wear squishy shoes. A cane, a crutch, a walker, a friend whatver you need, just keep moving for as long as you can.

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Profile picture for jchet @jchet

Does anyone feel very fatigued and weak from SFPN? When I exert inside or outside in my flower garden I’m thoroughly exhausted after 15 min! No chest pain, but need to sit down and recover for about 15-20 min.

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@jchet my neurologist says that this may be one of the symptoms.

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Profile picture for jchet @jchet

Does anyone feel very fatigued and weak from SFPN? When I exert inside or outside in my flower garden I’m thoroughly exhausted after 15 min! No chest pain, but need to sit down and recover for about 15-20 min.

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@jchet I’m the same way. I’m 75 and have had this neuropathy for 4 years. I’ve always been an active gardener and kept my home spotless. I could clean my whole house in a day. I continued to be frustrated by not being able to do it after being diagnosed because I kept thinking I could still do it but after 15 minutes I had to sit and I just gave up. I have finally accepted this and now I just break every thing down into 15 on and sit 10 minutes and go another 15 minutes and repeat this routine all day. Now I get things done. I just had to accept that this is the way it’s going to be. It took a couple of years to accept this and my house got so filthy that I couldn’t take it so I finally decided I could go 15 in and 10 off continuously and finally getting things done. It’s frustrating but works for me. I just had to accept it. Good luck to you. 💕

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Profile picture for cdianeb @cdianeb

@jchet I’m the same way. I’m 75 and have had this neuropathy for 4 years. I’ve always been an active gardener and kept my home spotless. I could clean my whole house in a day. I continued to be frustrated by not being able to do it after being diagnosed because I kept thinking I could still do it but after 15 minutes I had to sit and I just gave up. I have finally accepted this and now I just break every thing down into 15 on and sit 10 minutes and go another 15 minutes and repeat this routine all day. Now I get things done. I just had to accept that this is the way it’s going to be. It took a couple of years to accept this and my house got so filthy that I couldn’t take it so I finally decided I could go 15 in and 10 off continuously and finally getting things done. It’s frustrating but works for me. I just had to accept it. Good luck to you. 💕

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@cdianeb Great advice! I’ll try to do that!

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Profile picture for cdianeb @cdianeb

@jchet I’m the same way. I’m 75 and have had this neuropathy for 4 years. I’ve always been an active gardener and kept my home spotless. I could clean my whole house in a day. I continued to be frustrated by not being able to do it after being diagnosed because I kept thinking I could still do it but after 15 minutes I had to sit and I just gave up. I have finally accepted this and now I just break every thing down into 15 on and sit 10 minutes and go another 15 minutes and repeat this routine all day. Now I get things done. I just had to accept that this is the way it’s going to be. It took a couple of years to accept this and my house got so filthy that I couldn’t take it so I finally decided I could go 15 in and 10 off continuously and finally getting things done. It’s frustrating but works for me. I just had to accept it. Good luck to you. 💕

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@cdianeb Great information. I find the same thing, only I work for 10 minutes and allow myself to lie down for 30. When I came to terms with this my life was much better.

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Upcoming Foundation for Peripheral Neuropathy webinar.
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Steady on your feet: Preventing falls through mindfulness and daily practices
Wednesday, August 12
11:30AM - 12:45PM CDT

Falls are common for people with peripheral neuropathy, and the fear of falling can make daily life harder. In recognition of August as National Wellness Month, a time to focus on healthy habits and overall well-being, this webinar will show how mindfulness and simple daily habits can help you stay safe and steady. You’ll learn about common fall risks and easy ways to lower them by building routines, staying aware, and making small changes that support balance and confidence. We’ll also cover what to do if you fall and how to help prevent future falls. Join us for practical tips and stay for a live Q&A at the end.
Register here: https://event.on24.com/wcc/r/5355419/77F0EE0CD66767CAC8BF270FFD9F0CA2

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Profile picture for John, Volunteer Mentor @johnbishop

Upcoming Foundation for Peripheral Neuropathy webinar.
--------
Steady on your feet: Preventing falls through mindfulness and daily practices
Wednesday, August 12
11:30AM - 12:45PM CDT

Falls are common for people with peripheral neuropathy, and the fear of falling can make daily life harder. In recognition of August as National Wellness Month, a time to focus on healthy habits and overall well-being, this webinar will show how mindfulness and simple daily habits can help you stay safe and steady. You’ll learn about common fall risks and easy ways to lower them by building routines, staying aware, and making small changes that support balance and confidence. We’ll also cover what to do if you fall and how to help prevent future falls. Join us for practical tips and stay for a live Q&A at the end.
Register here: https://event.on24.com/wcc/r/5355419/77F0EE0CD66767CAC8BF270FFD9F0CA2

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@johnbishop
I just registered. Thanks for the heads up!

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Try doing the balance exercises that are shown on Grow Young Fitness online.
Great program for seniors

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Profile picture for slowrunner1 @slowrunner1

Be alert to your surroundings. Pay attention to what you are doing - don't sightsee. Don't wear squishy shoes. A cane, a crutch, a walker, a friend whatver you need, just keep moving for as long as you can.

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@slowrunner1

I forgot, don't be a cheapskate, turn on the lights!

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