Periferal neuropathy and loss odbalance and walking ability

Thanks for the details. I am able to walk quite a bit, but not very long distances. I try to walk for several minutes every 45-60 minutes and am on the treadmill almost daily.

Sounds like you have a great routine going. Hope you have a wonderful weekend!! Stay well this winter!

I'm 84. I have had peripheral neuropathy since having chemo for breast cancer at 79. My feet are numb as well as three fingers in m left hand. I recently decided to use the battery operated cuffs that were issued to me in the hospital after the lumpectomy to prevent blood clots. My ankles were swelling. After about two weeks i found that the feeling was back in my hand and I could feel more walkng barefoot, which I do most of the time. If you decide to try some get those that you can walk around in. I like the feel of them on my legs. The edema is also gone. I figure that it's the increased circulation that has improved my nerves.

My neuropathy pain is constant, feet burn, feel swollen, toes are numb, pins and needles feeling constant. Am mostly bedridden use cane for support to get to bathroom. Have tried all the usually recommended meds: gabapentin etc. Pain effects my appetite, causing nausea, so have lost 30 lbs i am very small 5 ft now weighing 97 and very weak. Neuropathy pain burning in hands as well but not nearly as bad as feet. Lidocaine roller used to help temporarily. Any other suggestions would be appreciated.

Welcome @helptony2025, It sometimes is a full time job trying to find something to provide relief for your neuropathy pain. Sorry to hear that it also effects your appetite and hoping you can find something that helps soon. You might find it helpful to scan through the many different discussions and comments from members on burning feet what helps - https://connect.mayoclinic.org/search/?search=burning+feet+what+helps.

The Foundation for Peripheral Neuropathy has a list of treatments and therapies that might be helpful to look through to see if there is something that you have not already tried - https://www.foundationforpn.org/therapies/.

Have you tried any chair exercises or chair yoga to help build up or maintain some strength?

I was told by my neurologist to always wear shoes and never go barefoot to prevent further PN damage to nerves in your foot.

My feet hurt in shoes so I am always barefoot unless I'm workng in the yard or going out somewhere.. That makes sense, but I guess I'll stay barefoot

I totally understand, I never wear shoes in the house. Outside I prefer the barefoot shoes which has no support, knowing full well a podiatrist would frown.

I am with you. Go barefoot around the house and only wear barefoot shoes if I go out. They have a wider toe box, are lighter and easy to slip on. Bonus is that they wash very well, even with other clothes. I do not put them in the dryer, but they usually dry within an hour if sitting in a sunny place.
It as helps to do toes exercises such as standing at the sink with my hands hovering over the counter and lifting myself to my tippy toes 15 times. If you begin to lose balance, put one index finger on the counter to finish the repetition. This helps stimulate blood flow in the toes and serves as balance therapy also.
Lastly, while I elevate my feet on my walker, I stretch my toes to the outside as far as I can to a 4 count, then tuck them in as tightly as possible for 4 seconds. I repeat this action about 5 times and I do it a couple times per day as needed. You can really feel it working your calf muscles as well. For me it seems to calm the nighttime “burning” sensation.
It doesn’t hurt to try.
Have a blessed day
Renee

In response to the question about balance and walking....Balance exercises have helped me. My walking is still good. But I do notice my feet don't go where I want to put them. Especially in small places. I have fallen a few times and don't want that to happen again if I can help it. So in addition to balance exercises, I recommend you move SLOWLY. We all must adapt. And we can.