Can neuropathy in my feet cause balance problems?

Thank you for responding, Betty. I'll look into the site, the info, etc. So much to think about, consider....certainly overwhelming for me.

Glad to hear your muscles are getting stronger. I’ve also seen canes with prongs on the end for better balance and a type of walker with a seat. If you get really tired you just sit down. Hope you continue to improve! I think my knees are more from fibromyalgia than neuropathy or it could be both.

I do have a cane with the prongs. It's great for its standing upright (when I let go) rather than having to lean it against anything (and having it slide off and fall!). It is presently standing upright in corner of our closet. When I go out to shop, medical visits, etc., my husband accompanies me 99% of the time, so HE becomes my balance support, holding hands as we've done for 53 years now. He's concerned also that I'll be an "easy target" as has happened to a few residents seen as unable to fend off rather clever muggers. ( He knows that I'd swing that cane if I were ever in a situation🤣.) Victims have not been physically attacked, but they have had purses and packages taken. Thankfully 2 of the creeps were arrested. Some not so nice people in the world, huh?

I'm experiencing positive progress with the PT and strengthening of muscles, and working on how to walk more confidently. I will NOT use a walker nor wheelchair. Perhaps the day will come when I'll have to, but not while I can still proactively direct my energies toward helping myself 😁. Progress has been very good with my present PT rehab center, so I'm looking forward to this afternoon's session.

Refresh my memory: Were your knees ever injured in any manner (as in my case), or subjected to repetitive action (such as happens with flooring contractors, masons, athletes, dancers)? Any chance that arthritis may have set in? My decades-old fibromyalgia does factor into other issues. May I ask what, if anything, you are taking for the fibromyalgia? I've been on cyclobenzeprine for over three decades, which concerns me since I've learned via medical journals/sites that long-term is not supported. Had also been on amitriptyline but had to wean off and stop.
Enjoy a peaceful weekend.

So impressed with your reporting and self-awareness. I do not have numbness, just reading along. But I want to mention one thing - most medical practices will not let you switch doctors within. But I’ve found that if I speak to the office manager directly, they will allow one switch, especially if they know that the first doctor is not a good doctor! I used to work in a large medical office. There are lots of work-arounds.

Gracias, julbpat😊....
I really pushed back in the medical group that I used to belong to during the time that I was racked with so many pain and unexplained issues. What seemed like (and actually were!) countless tests, many which were invasive and painful, myriad MRIs, CAT Scans, nerve conduction studies, etc., and way too many blood tests, referrals to specialists in NYC, and no one would come up with a diagnosis...So I decided that I'd had enough, and decided to seek another top neurologist within that medical group. I was told "Can't do that." Really? I demanded to know why, and the reason was inane, so I spoke with the SUPEVISOR for neuro department. I was given a song and dance, none of which was logical nor supported the needs of patients, and I had no problem speaking up. (I had work within neurology and microbiology departments of major medical college in my young adult years, so I felt comfortable addressing specific issues, which appeared to irritate her.) NO, I did not want to continue seeing the neurologist who had been handling my "care". I sought help from outside that group. Two years later, the medical group that had persisted on their inane rule ELIMINATED IT. The supervisor called me to say that I could see whichever neurologist that I (or any other person) wanted. I informed her that I no longer wanted to deal with that angst anymore and had obtained an incredible doctor elsewhere (thankfully my insurance doesn't restrict that). (Medical groups have Office Managers AND Supervisors for specific disciplines, and my experience has been that they will yes me to death but their ultimate goal is to cover themselves and the doctors.)
Unfortunately, that "rule" does seem to exist in majority of other medical groups, which is an impediment in getting second opinions within the specific medical disciplines. ALL the records are right there, for goodness sakes! The ones who lose out are we, the patients! Especially hard on anyone who does not have the wear-with-all to navigate and explore options, or to in essence "fight back," as happened to a friend suffering and dealing with horrible issues, the most recent being told that she has uterine cancer. For years, she simply "accepted" what she was told, and did whatever she had to do for fear of losing her medical team members and be blacklisted. Nearly 80 yrs old and a widow, my dear friend finally listened to what I offered to do, to get her medical services of top-notch medical center, but she is still scared of being told she cannot continue at her medical group. Several people have! THAT should not be! Alone, dealing with cancer, overwhelmed by other serious health issues...many people exist with those and other issues, and having one's medical group give you a hard time should NOT be part of the equation. Thankfully, her Medicare will cover the upcoming costs involved including emotional support, and with the help of other people that I know, she now has support groups that are providing even financial assistance and home services. Unbelievable that her medical group could not do any of this or at least provide contact info. I've learned so much from researching and contacting sources for her, and have kept a file because I found all the info to be invaluable. I'd had no knowledge about the organizations, etc., prior to this.

As for my neurological issues that the doctors had not been able to diagnose? I still have them, because I seem to be a conundrum...but at least I'm given attention to the need for annual brain MRIs and other issues, and not made to feel that I'm just an old lady that should just count the days. Presently looking into services of the same medical center to which I convinced my friend to seek help from. That complex has interdisciplinary approach and is the one that comes most closely to what I really wish I could do: Be seen at Mayo. That's out of the question for myriad reasons. But I'm looking forward to what the in-county (no travel to NYC!) medical complex has to offer.
Meanwhile, I do keep tabs of each of the paths in my extensive medical journey.
Enjoy the weekend! May it be peaceful and restful🌺

I think my knee pain and swelling in both knees is from my fibromyalgia, although my neuropathy is up my legs. I guess one aggravates the other.

Good Golly.. this is a universal problem. I’ve had it more often than not. But I’m living in a medical backwater at this time. Tried for Mayo, but live in Michigan. Doesn’t touch so, my insurance is incompatible.
My story: now= “peripheral neuropathy “. Took 5 EMG tests over the years for them finally to see it. I too have been diagnosed with fibromyalgia. But there are a lot of inconsistencies. I have balance issues: walk with a cane or tip over. Almost fell down the stairs last night. Can’t climb stairs, but there are just times ..anywho.. I’m a Veteran that was in a car accident early in my service. When I was in, you didn’t seek medical unless bleeding or actual & obvious broken bones, so with only some whiplash(can’t see it=it’s not there). But as time has gone on dizziness began (the room spinning, everything completely off, couldn’t ride in cars, etc) tests said my ears were fine. A neurologist in the revered U of M hospital couldn’t address the dizziness or lack of feeling. But could diagnose an ischemic stroke and hematoma . Kinda explained the year of weakness, confusion and inability to walk far. I was 40 at the time of the stroke.
The dizziness and headaches were better after a PT taught me some tests for my neck. She treated the whiplash, finally.
At this point my immune system is not functioning properly.
As I said, fibromyalgia that’s not acting like fibromyalgia. This area’s doctors know diabetes, cancer, strokes, heart attacks..All terrible & I wish could never exist. But weird things like ours aren’t on the radar around here. Infuriating.
For those out there sorta hitting barriers: have you tried Patient Advocates at the medical facility or hospital? Around here The Commission on Aging may be able to help a bit.
My problems are not bad enough or I’m to young for more aggressive approaches. I’m less functioning than my 70+ year old mother. Been that way for far too long.
I hope you all have or will find the help and treatment to return to a better quality of life. Because isn’t that all we’re seeking? A better quality of life and dignity.(*sigh, sorry to get to passionate. Was advocate for disabled children when I was younger)
Have a better weekend.

I've had neuropathy for years. Your balance will never be the best. I'm about to consider using a cane has my doctor suggested the last time I saw her. If you go shopping - grab a cart as soon as you can find one. .

After a couple of years one of my doctors finaly explained that my balance was deteriorating because:

Normaly the nerves in your feet our sendtying messages to your brain as to where and how you are moving. As neuropathy destroys the nerves you are getting less information from your feet.

I have found I have to be very careful to use my eyes to see where I am standing and my footing as I am moving. I am also not picking my feet up enough and I am often tripping over things as simple as runners and other rugs on floors.

Yes balance problems are real . Physical therapy or just at-home balance training will definitely help. Do these several times a day just standing at a chair . It helps.