Can neuropathy in my feet cause balance problems?

I have been to a neurologist, podiatrist & ENT. They all have some what different opinions, I guess that most are like me. Don’t know where to start. The one they all agree on, learn to live with it.

oliver4 - I agree with you, unfortunately, in almost all cases, we are all told the same thing - learn to live with it or in my case "there really isn't much we can do for this" - Mayo, 2020. The Mayo neuro doc was clearly not comfortable in giving me that information. She then gave me words of advice which made me feel comfortable. Numbness, balance issues all that stuff persist but I have been able to view this from a different angle. We need to do what we can do, perhaps differently and try not to concentrate so much on what we can't do.

Good advice, but easier said than done. I’ve always been active, always had a project or two going on. That’s what bothers me the most.

I hear you and I'm much the same way. In fact, I'm in my early 70's and still manage to run my own business despite my PN. I've cut back on hours per week and retained quality assistance within the company to pick up on things I can no longer do. It bothers me as well to have limitations.

I read about the possibility of B6 toxicity and wondered if it could be part of my neuropathy problem ( I have other issues which definitely contributed ) but I was taking a multivitamin supplement every day and understand now that our comprised kidneys just can’t take the amount of much of it, so have stopped. You validated my questioning of the B6. Thanks for sharing that so much.
Eirrol

If your feet are numb, you have decreased your balance drastically. Your feet need to know their function to give you balance. If you can't feel them, are you standing? Does a tree in the woods make noise? There is a disconnect to the brain, so you have to retrain the brain to know you are standing. You also could start to lose some muscle tone, so doing exercises for your ankles and legs are a good idea. It's like if you can't see, your other senses come forward. There are some medications that slow the process, but it will continue to progress. I agree with NJEd, "We need to do what we can do, perhaps differently and try not to concentrate so much on what we can't do." A positive attitude goes a long way vs. poor me.

Hello @rachellefanello, Welcome to Connect. Thanks for sharing suggestions. It sounds like you have some personal experience with balance and neuropathy. Do you mind sharing a little more about your condition, symptoms and what has helped you?

I have worked in the Neuro field for 35 years and do EMGs on patients with Neuropathy. I didn't think I would be one of them. I was wearing a brace on my ankle to help keep my ankle from giving out because I would step more to the outside of my foot than the inside. I went to Physical Therapy and learned exercises to keep my ankles strong and the leg muscles working. If I tell my brain, I am stepping I have trained it to let me take that step. I know that sounds so simple, but it isn't. A walker or cane would help but I refuse to let myself go to this. I fight everyday with several autoimmune diseases and this being one of them just makes my challenge more interesting. There is counseling that can be done as well to help. I have a lot of support around me, and they keep me going everyday as well. Like I said, a positive attitude takes you a long way. I have seen others say boohoo, I can't walk because I can't feel my feet. These people have gone downhill so fast it is scarry. I have asked others that I do tests on what they have done to compensate for the problem and used some of their ideas. Don't be afraid to ask others what they do when you find someone with similar problems. I fight and refuse to give up. I rest when I need to and keep track of my body and how it is feeling. I know when my limit is and how far I can push it from there. The key is to know yourself and get help from others that know ideas on what to do. Physical Medicine and Rehab physicians and Physical Therapy are just a couple. I asked my doctors where someone could help me. I love working and my job. I am not ready to give it up yet, but that means I can't give up on myself either.

Thank you for expanding and sharing the reasons behind staying positive. It definitely helps to be your own advocate and learn as much as you can about your health conditions. Have you done any reading on brain neuroplasticity? It's amazing how the brain can reroute pain signals and more.

Has anyone found a method to minimize the numbness and related balance issues?