Periferal neuropathy and loss odbalance and walking ability

I have peripheral neuropathy and as stated previously it is having an impact on my balance. However, my greatest enemy is my pride and the idea of using a walking stick to me is abhorrent As my GP quite a wise man put it to me, it will hurt your body far more than your pride if you fall because you wouldn’t use a walking stick. My neurologist told me as he diagnosed my peripheral neuropathy there was no treatment. There is no cure so for me all this left is my determination to do as much as I can to slow this down. I don’t know if going to the pool every day and doing aqua fitness is helping, but it certainly can hurt. Be sure if I can find something of real benefit to you all. I’ll be the 1st to comment on it good luck to you all this is a horrible horrible disease Margaret.

After being diagnosed with neuropathy earlier this year, I went for physical therapy. They work on balance and strengthening exercises. Also getting treatments for numbness and tingling via red light/NIR (near infra-red) therapy with decent results that alleviate the symptoms. Others on different forums report non-positive results however.

I'm so glad that you are receiving some positive results from your treatments! My red light therapy was "Class 4" laser, and it was my breakthrough therapy, where I first regained feeling in the soles of my feet. I have moved on to other therapies (part of the reason was the cost: Class 4 was not covered by Medicare, whereas the weaker laser was covered, but provided no relief).
The "other therapies" include BEMER and a vibration platform. Since mine is long-fiber, I have dealt with pain for about 25 years, and for the last 6, I have been taking Pregabalin and Tramadol, and they keep the pain at bay if taken every 8 hours. It seems that every person with PN has different symptoms, needs, and therapies, and the treatments and outcomes are very individual. I wish you all good things as you continue to find solutions where there is no definitive cure.

May I ask? How is vibration platform helping? My chiropractor offers it.

Wanted to let you know that I have had a conversation with the therapist and have an apt for Oct 11. I'll let you know how it goes.

Hope it gives you some relief!

Hello, @mikeymikey,
The vibration platform offers a way to strengthen leg muscles without taking a step. Walking is not an exercise I can enjoy anymore, as each step is fraught with difficulties and danger of falling, yet I want to avoid becoming immobile. Both the BEMER and using the vibration platform help with circulation, which means that nutrients and oxygen are able to be utilized through the veins, keeping muscles strong enough to keep me able to walk short distances, drive, and stand a reasonable amount of time. Interesting that your chiro has one available for his/her clients -- mine doesn't, but I used one at PT for a few months and realized the value of its use. I hope this helps a bit and especially that you keep asking questions to stay educated on the many ideas shared from others who have found ways to deal with symptoms similar to yours. Blessings!

I have this condition now for eight years. I use two sticks
to maintain balance but occasionally fall. I do not want a walker. Physical Therapy has helped a little. My feet are red and toes not moving. Is there any FDA approved medication that will help.
Rhodeman39

I have numbness; If I do not fall once a week--I am moving to slow. Seriously, I now just tuck & roll, sometimes it is not possible to fall correctly. Then it is a hard (bang) (Because All Need God): Hit the ground.

Welcome @rigsrigsrigs, Thanks for providing my first smile of the morning as one that could probably be mistaken for that old TV commercial "Help! I've fallen and can't get up." Moving to slow is no longer a problem for me, it's my new normal along with the senior shuffle. Fortunately I haven't had a hard fall in quite a few years and hope to keep it that way.

On the plus side, I also only have numbness with my neuropathy which is something to be thankful for as it could be worse. How long have you been dealing with neuropathy?