Can neuropathy in my feet cause balance problems?

Hello @oliver4, Welcome to Connect. I'm no expert but I do have neuropathy in my feet and it does cause balance problems. Here's some information on the topic:

"The nerves outside of your brain and spinal cord can become damaged, which is called peripheral neuropathy. Weakness, numbness, pain and balance issues can be caused by peripheral neuropathy because it makes it difficult to determine where your body is relative to other objects or the ground."
-- Feeling off balance? A nerve condition may be to blame:
Feeling off balance? A nerve condition may be to blame

You may want to check out the following discussion for some suggestions that might help:
-- Having trouble keeping your balance?:
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/having-trouble-keeping-your-balance/

One thing that has helped me is to wear comfortable shoes that also provide support. Exercise also helps with balance issues. Have you tried doing any balance exercises?

What I don’t understand is why this came on me so sudden. About 6-7 months I went from managing my balance problems to being seriously impacted.

How did the podiatrist diagnose you? Normally you have to have a nerve conduction test or skin punch biopsy to diagnose neuropathy. Balance problems can be caused by different conditions and I suppose some can occur quicker than others.

-- Balance problems - Symptoms & causes:
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/balance-problems/symptoms-causes/syc-20350474

Have you discussed the symptoms with your doctor?

I did have the EMG/NCV test on 2/9/22 but the Doctor could not access it. I have a appointment next week, he should have it by then.

@oliver4 I’ll share with you that my Neuropathy window was 12 days between first symptom of weakness &pain to ending up on the floor no longer able to walk, needing extensive PT and OT in institutions, home, then outpatient to help strengthen me and learn to balance again. I hear a lot of folks say their type of Neuropathy developed over years. It came to us and affects us all differently. I hope your Podiatrist has more definitive answers re: EMG/NCV on your next visit. It’s sad that you haven’t been delivered results yet from a test done on either Feb 9 or Sept 2 . I hope there’s quick comfort for you, a lot of us have learned how much a good shoe helps us!

In all fairness my doctor who I had been with 42 years retired. I had to find a new doctor and transfer all my records to him. If you have been through that then you how screwed up that can be.

I have been to physical therapist numerous times. Not a fan. I will get a lot of flack on this but my feeling on this is your doctor has no idea what is causing your balance so his stock answer is physical therapy.

oliver4 - I can't disagree with you about the PT. I too have been in and out of PT for about 6 years. Now, I'm in PT again for balance therapy. My Medicare policy will pay for so many visits a year due to dollar limits. If you don't spread out the appointments, you run out before end of year. I think the standard procedure in medical field is to prescribe PT with us having PN. They feel it's doing something. I don't know yet, been only 5 weeks.

First let me say that I have been sent to physical therapy several time by several different doctors. The therapist have been professional and dedicated and want to help. The problem is that therapy is not the answer to my problems. I hope that you find answers to your problem.

Hi there @oliver4
I had a sudden onset of balance issues along with some other sudden onset issues . I was told it was due to my neuropathy . I was so concerned I managed to get a neurologist to order an MRI of my spine and brain . They found 1 herniated and 2 collapsed discs in my neck . Debris and - or just age can thicken the nerve channel and compress the nerve . One of the symptoms is sudden onset of balance issues . Are you noticing any foot drag ?
I am not a doctor . I am not giving anyone advice . I am just stating what has been happening to me . Every situation is different .