1. < Neuropathy

Can neuropathy in my feet cause balance problems?

Posted by oliver4 @oliver4, Dec 15, 2022

Podiatrist has diagnosed me with minor neuropathy but my balance is worsening. Can neuropathy cause this. I know that input from the feet can cause balance problems

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dlmdinia | @dlmdinia | Oct 21, 2023
In reply to @areyoureal "After a couple of years one of my doctors finaly explained that my balance was deteriorating..." + (show)
@areyoureal

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.

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Oh, yes! I have occasional balance issues when I tilt to one side for no good reason, but quickly recover. My tripping comes from not picking up my feet. I'm trying to figure out why so I can start correcting this. Amazingly, I'm pretty good on ice so there's hope.

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harley22 | @harley22 | Oct 22, 2023
In reply to @bb0753 "Yes balance problems are real . Physical therapy or just at-home balance training will definitely help...." + (show)
@bb0753

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.

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I went to PT few years ago for balance issues, and I could not do what they wanted me to at all.
That’s how bad my balance is
I don’t think they understood that I can’t feel my feet at all!
I cannot feel to walk, nothing to grip my toes on.
After several weeks I stopped going for that reason.

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harley22 | @harley22 | Oct 22, 2023
In reply to @marlk "I've had neuropathy for years. Your balance will never be the best. I'm about to consider..." + (show)
@marlk

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. .

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That’s exactly what I do now.
Not worth maybe falling and breaking a hip.
Then I’d be really in deep dodo.

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mjmarshall | @mjmarshall | Oct 22, 2023
In reply to @areyoureal "After a couple of years one of my doctors finaly explained that my balance was deteriorating..." + (show)
@areyoureal

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.

Jump to this post

One of the side effects of neuropathy is foot drop (which causes people to trip over their own feet). I have bilateral foot drop. I wear TurboMed XTern AFOs which are amazing. In addition to foot drop, I have paralysis in my toes which makes my balance horrible. When I wear my XTern AFOs I can walk without using a cane or walker.

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1 reply
rca | @rca | Oct 23, 2023

I have to walk with a walker since my balance is not good to walk independently. Do folks here walk with a walker?

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1 reply
harley22 | @harley22 | Oct 23, 2023
In reply to @rca "I have to walk with a walker since my balance is not good to walk independently...." + (show)
@rca

I have to walk with a walker since my balance is not good to walk independently. Do folks here walk with a walker?

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I do especially when I leave the house.
I found a lightweight. 3 wheeled walker from Carex.
It’s about 8 lbs, and very easy for me to lift into my backseat.
Because it’s so compact, I’m able to maneuver it even in tight spaces.
This gives me peace of mind, and I don’t worry about falling when I’m out and about.

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NJ Ed | @njed | Oct 24, 2023
In reply to @mjmarshall "One of the side effects of neuropathy is foot drop (which causes people to trip over..." + (show)
@mjmarshall

One of the side effects of neuropathy is foot drop (which causes people to trip over their own feet). I have bilateral foot drop. I wear TurboMed XTern AFOs which are amazing. In addition to foot drop, I have paralysis in my toes which makes my balance horrible. When I wear my XTern AFOs I can walk without using a cane or walker.

Jump to this post

Same here, bilateral drop foot, PN toes to shins and poor balance. I've been wearing AFO's for almost 4 years. They go on first thing in the morning and off at bedtime. They tend to become a little annoying after 12 hours but offer huge benefit and have not tripped since wearing them and offers me improved balance. Ed

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Mentor
John, Volunteer Mentor | @johnbishop | Jan 27 7:52am

This article title made me laugh but it really describes the way I walk, especially during the winter time.
--- Walk like a penguin: Keeping your winter balance: https://newsnetwork.mayoclinic.org/discussion/walk-like-a-penguin-keeping-your-winter-balance/

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1 reply
evterry504 | @evterry504 | Jan 27 3:01pm

I’m 3 months out from knee replacement. My knee is improving, but my imbalance is not improving. I don’t have pain from my periferal neuropathy. How do I get my balance back?

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