It's not in your head...it's real. My PT just introduced me to an interesting new exercise that she just learned about from a classmate at a recent seminar. She placed several objects of differing shapes and firmnesses under a couple of big folding floor mats used for gymnastics and had me walk from one end to the other, both ways. When I was able to anticipate what something would feel like with the minimal sensory receptors that work, I could walk with a bit more confidence (albeit with a person on each side of me at the ready) but only with a cane and very, very slowly. It definitely is a physical thing from where I stand. And -- as for rails -- absolutely necessary unless someone offers an arm. 😇
Have a great week!