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

I’m the same way, just can’t seem to do it without holding on to something.
My feet won’t move.

@jrob - Sorry to hear about your issue. I've had PN all numbness with poor balance for about 5 years and yes, uneven surfaces are difficult to manage so a suggestion would be to use of a cane. This can help you along and might prevent a fall. I went to an outdoor event this summer, 3 steps to huge deck and no railings. I didn't even attempt it. I need railing(s) to go up and down steps. Do what you need to in order to stay safe. I think with PN, numbness and balance issues with wobbly legs are all part of it. Some of us experience the same as you and we are not running off to see a psychiatrist. Take care! Ed

Relax
Lift some weighs to strengthen u r legs it will give you a lot of confidence too.

Good morning, jrob (@jrob)

I would expect a chorus of "Me, too!" Here's mine: "Me, too!" When I'm in a familiar space, I walk with confidence – a little wobbly, but nothing that makes me think I'm about to fall down. But put me in an unfamiliar space? That's a whole 'nother story. Suddenly, my legs can't be trusted. And that's despite doing lots of leg strengthening and having my doctors tell me my legs are plenty strong. So, like you, I wonder: What gives? Is it real, or all in my head?

Ray (@ray666)

My PT says when tested individually, my ankle, knee, and hip group muscles are at 5/5 strength, BUT the muscles that control joint stability, for proper balance, must work together quickly and interchangeably when walking. With PN, the joint stability during movement is lacking.
I can’t do steps without a rail, if that’s the only way in somewhere, I just wait until someone comes along and I ask if I can hold their arm. People are nice.

I have the same issue. No railing, no way. Uneven surface, I'm going around or leaning on my support-husband. @centre, your explanation makes a lot of sense.

I wonder if it is possible to improve joint stability while moving through practice. I have been doing a lot of balance work these past few years, although not while moving (as in walking), and I have amazed myself at how much my standing balance (eyes open, shut, gesturing, etc.) has improved. As soon as I set forth and walk, however, all that I've gained in standing balance goes out the door. Ray (@ray666)

To jrob—
I would find a neurologist in a teaching hospital or university setting, or one of the Mayo Clinic hospitals and be tested in various ways for the cause of your wobbly legs. If you have them, as I do, due to PN, of course you will have a fear of falling! Even before the wobbles, a handrail was a safety precaution.
If you don’t want to change your GP, this is an opportunity for him to be educated in the physical (not psychological) reasons for “wobbly legs.”) Peripheral nerves which are not getting the brain’s message to the muscles, aka PN, is the cause of my mobility disability. I work out with a PT and a PhD. PT student in a pool and a university PT clinic on my balance and strength. I also get iVIG infusions monthly.
I have improved on my balance and functionality, but still walk with a walker, and stairs are a challenge I work on under the guidance of my PT at the clinic. I do not try stairs at home, nor anywhere else. I have a garage elevator and a stir lift to make my house accessible.
This has all happened since January, 2021. Yes, I have had counseling to deal with my loss of mobility, and all that entails, but “wobbly legs” and difficulty climbing stairs deserved more curiosity and support from your GP. You deserve a better answer.

I have PN and poor balance for the last 10 years. I se a cane and prevented many falls If you are depressed ,
(it is not rare with PN,pain,etc)a psychiatrist may help. I think poor balance is not in your mind

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!