Are wobbly legs with PN caused by muscle weakness or fear?

Posted by jrob @jrob, Oct 5, 2023

I've had PN for years but suddenly when there are stairs with no railings or very uneven surfaces my legs wobble uncontrollably leading to a fall. My neurologist recently said I'm strong and there should be no reason for this and I should find a good psychiatrist. Would like feedback on this because it sure feels physical to me.

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@imagine1

Can anyone relate to wobbly legs/shakiness that is "inside" versus visible from the outside? I'm experiencing this every day now. It's a little disconcerting. Assuming it's related to PN?

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I feel it constantly. It is a very mild, yet constant, "shaking" of my legs that can not be seen, and only I can feel it. Very strange and hard to explain to others.

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@imagine1

Can anyone relate to wobbly legs/shakiness that is "inside" versus visible from the outside? I'm experiencing this every day now. It's a little disconcerting. Assuming it's related to PN?

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Yes I have those symptoms. Do you also have a painful, tight muscle soreness in the quads that is worse after getting out of bed in morning and walking. Wobbly for sure. Do you use a cane. Cold rainy weather make it feel worse.

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@portiamcp

I feel it constantly. It is a very mild, yet constant, "shaking" of my legs that can not be seen, and only I can feel it. Very strange and hard to explain to others.

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An added oddity that I experience is short-lived (two hours, usually) periods of extra-wobbly wobbliness. They usually come on me in the late afternoon/early evening (5:00-to-7:00 p.m.), but not always; sometimes mornings, sometimes midday. I can always count on these spells (I'll tell my partner I'm having a wobbly spell or WS) to pass (meaning I go back to my "normal" PN wobbliness 🙂 ).

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I have found that when you have PN you have to work hard on staying as fit as possible. I once was getting ready to order a power wheelchair. Instead I joined the Y. Using leg strengthening machines with weights and building muscle (which can be done with PN) I am walking fine. My core strength is incredible which in turn greatly improved my balance. It's hard work but well worth the benefits.

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@portiamcp

I feel it constantly. It is a very mild, yet constant, "shaking" of my legs that can not be seen, and only I can feel it. Very strange and hard to explain to others.

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Exactly. Glad I'm not alone in that. Thank you.

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@gbrodnan1945

Yes I have those symptoms. Do you also have a painful, tight muscle soreness in the quads that is worse after getting out of bed in morning and walking. Wobbly for sure. Do you use a cane. Cold rainy weather make it feel worse.

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Yes, it's especially tough walking first thing in the morning, for sure! I have finally accepted I need a cane, so am using one now. I'm glad this symptom isn't in my head. Thank you for sharing.

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@gbrodnan1945

Yes I have those symptoms. Do you also have a painful, tight muscle soreness in the quads that is worse after getting out of bed in morning and walking. Wobbly for sure. Do you use a cane. Cold rainy weather make it feel worse.

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Muscle soreness in the quads after getting out of bed is variable, sometimes worse than others, can discern no pattern, but yes, definitely wobbly. Sometimes use cane for a while if wobble really bad after getting out of bed in morning. I try not to use cane at home b/c I feel I always need to work on balance, and if wobble is really bad I will hold on to things as I walk (even though I know I am not supposed to do that). I always use cane at night if I have to get up to go to the bathroom. If I am away from home I always use a cane for safety and stability. I haven't measured how the weather affects it--I just know it is always there and always bad.

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@imagine1

Can anyone relate to wobbly legs/shakiness that is "inside" versus visible from the outside? I'm experiencing this every day now. It's a little disconcerting. Assuming it's related to PN?

Jump to this post

I have that feeling plus feel like my legs will “give out” and collapse. I have bad disequilibrium as well so I use a walker or two canes like I would for cross country skiing. That helps control the shakiness and makes me feel more stable.

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I'm not too wobly but my balance is sometimes an issue. I use them when walking any distance. BK amputee with prosthesis and a number foot on other side. Sometimes have acute sharp , burning pain.

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@denisejones00

I have found that when you have PN you have to work hard on staying as fit as possible. I once was getting ready to order a power wheelchair. Instead I joined the Y. Using leg strengthening machines with weights and building muscle (which can be done with PN) I am walking fine. My core strength is incredible which in turn greatly improved my balance. It's hard work but well worth the benefits.

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You've inspired me, @denisejones00. Tomorrow I'm going to make a few phone calls – to the Y, my neighborhood PT clinic, and my doctor's office – to ask what might be the speediest and least costly way to get re-involved with some body work, chiefly leg strengthening. (Y would be no-cost.) I've done PT on and off for years but became disenchanted when I wasn't seeing results. But your post has made me want to give PT one more try, this time to give special emphasis to leg strengthening. So, thank you! ––Ray (@ray666)

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