Can neuropathy in my feet cause balance problems?

Gabapentin didn’t help me. I am now on Baclofen for my fibromyalgia and it helps my feet and hands. At night to sleep I use Susan’s CBD Super Salve. It’s pricey but it really works for me and lasts. Comes in a push up stick. Diabetes made me have balance issues as well as neuropathy. My eye drops for glaucoma impair balance as well. Do you take meds that may make balance worse? I’m looking for exercises to help with balance

I thought I was writing to you but I’m new to this and I guess it got posted instead. Look for my reply in posts

I use a cane too. I fell several times before I started using one.

I've been battling PN for four years now. I used to rely on canes, but after a fall and two-month hospitalization, I now use a walker. I do receive weekly in-home PT, just hoping to forestall a wheelchair existence.

If you do not keep your muscles strong, then you may feel balance problems. PT is a great idea. But, having to keep constant track of where your feet are stepping is a tough thing to do: my husband is an organist and even with his skills balance can be sketchy.

I made appointment about 18 months ago, to see my podiatrist of over 34 yrs, to discuss your precise question. I became annoyed that he seemed irritated by my question. I said to him: "I have serious balance issues, especially upon getting out of bed both feet feel like they are not "touching" the floor at all, usteady gait makes it necessary to hold onto edge of bed and keep contact with hand on wall(s). Is it possible that the neuropathy in feet (with nearly numb toes) be the cause of (if not contributing factor to) my balance/gait issues?"
With a slight shoulder shrug, he gave an almost immediate response of "I can't answer that. You're in your 70's and of course your feet have lost padding. But I can't make a conclusion that the PN is behind your balance problems." His advice: "Don't ever be barefoot, and wear shoes not slippers in the house." Seriously? I most definitely DO always wear a pair of what I call my "indoor shoes" because that is what they are: Leather, seriously comfortable and supportive regular shoes that I wear anytime I am going to be standing/walking in the house. They support and protect feet/toes. OKAY! Such a non-commital response! The problems with balance and gait had gotten worse over the past 11 yrs, and only as the day progresses do the feet behave themselves a bit more. But PN pain/issues are ever-present.
He was of no help, so I left, determined that I would deal with my "feet issues" and vet other podiatrists within my area. Since that office visit, other issues/problems developed and upon researching, I've learned that YES, neuro pain and problems in your feet can impact drastically on other aspects of one's health, creating a domino effect. Made sense: off balance stance then affects your legs, knees, etc. and into your hips, spine, etc. I've tried online exercises for balance and walking, which have helped to a degree. PT for my knee (a totally other saga!) has helped, especially since one of the therapist at the center that I attend, noted my gait and proceeded to give me "lessons" for improvement. And it has helped because PT involves a series of exercises for strengthening muscle in legs/thighs (important to do exercises bilaterally, and not just with the one leg). Feels great to have stronger muscles; hoping to get back to using my home gym equipment again. But PN in feet (entire areas, including tops, bottoms, ankles, toes) has become worse due to trauma from a fall. Never a dull moment, that's for sure! So I'm looking into a consult with a topnotch neurologist as a second opinion. My insurance will cover the costs of the visit and any related testing. Have not yet decided on a podiatrist. Actually, the name that comes out as "top" is in the SAME practice as my present podiatrist, so that would be a rather awkward situation...gee gads! First step (pun intended) is to get neuro consult/eval.

I wish you better days ahead. That's the thought that I adhere to, otherwise the nasty clouds set in....

I have got my pain and spasms under control- I am allergic to every pain medicine my pain doctor has put me on. Now I am using medical marijuana gummies cut in half at 7:00 am, 1:00 pm and 7:00 pm. I use the 100 mg. but cut them in half. Like usual it is not something insurance will pay for, but now I can go to grandkids events without being in so much pain. I still have dizziness if I turn to fast. I have to be very careful of that. My left side foot and leg are really numb so I have to be extremely careful about falls.

As with you, I am not able to take prescribed pain meds of any kind; horrible hallucinations, night terrors, out-of-body feeling, almost passed out from one in particular, but in general my body just reacts horribly. Zombie-world is not what I choose to live in.

QUESTION about the MM: When speaking with their pharmacist (via phone), I was informed that I'd have to take the dosage that she recommended on a DAILY BASIS. I was very turned off by that, as I thought I'd be able to choose when it would be most indicated by my level of pain. It was an Uh-uh for me. So that was shelved. As much as I don't want to live with complex pain, I also do not want to have MM in my system 24/7.
MY QUESTION IS: Were you prescribed that dosage of 100mg by a certified MM dispensary pharmacist?
If not, how/where do you obtain your product?
We have about 4 privately-owned dispensaries in the county wherein we reside, and they carry ALL forms/types, etc. They advertise as "we are your neighborhood dispensary of top-grade, certified medical marijuana." But not one of them is on the State Approved list of dispensaries that have pharmacists with which one MUST have an "interview" in order to then have DELIVERED or picked-up, whatever form of MM is preferred by the customer. And there is a minimum quantity for each order. ALL are quite a drive from where we live, so IF I were to want the MM, they would send it via a driver to our home, and ONLY CASH is accepted form of payment. It all made me so uncomfortable, and my inner-sensor said not to do this. So I listened to the "red flags" that waved at me.

I'd appreciate hearing any info you might feel comfortable to share regarding my question.

Gracias🌺.

A cane became an added liability for me. Just couldn't get the "hang" of how to coordinate it with my movements. And yes, almost fell several times while using it so I kept by the wall wherever there was one. Gave up the cane altogether.
Concentrating on the PT exercises that are strengthening muscles around that left knee/leg, and I'm happy to see progress this week. Muscles ARE stronger, I'm able to lift myself from a seated position without assistance or fear of falling, and ambulation is getting better. Managing stairs is improved but the damage under the patellar region just is not healing and responding as hoped. Will see how things go within PT since I still have another 2 months on the prescription ordered by sports medicine doctor. As for the FOOT/ANKLE: I've been doing the exercises/movements learned from prior PT with two different centers, to try to keep the area from "atrophying" and become stiff. But I feel pain while doing them, and afterwards as well....

We have a green leaf dispensary. State licensed. You can go into Green Leaf and see all their products. I feel the Smokies 100 mg--10 in a package and then I cut them before I start using them. Each one has 10 mg. but I started on 1/3 and have now had to go to 1/2 every six hours. Green leaf told me it was personal preference but it is also something you have to pay for yourself. Pull their site up and it gives you all their products and I get emails on their specials two or three times a week.
A couple times they have been out and I had to get another brand and it didn't work as well.