1. < Neuropathy

What to ask a podiatrist?

Posted by Ray Kemble @ray666, Jun 8, 2023

Hello!
I am a 78-year-old man with idiopathic polyneuropathy. Otherwise, I'm healthy. I was diagnosed only last August. It appears my PN is either sensory, motor, or a mix of the two, Oddly enough, I have no pain, but my balance and gait are terrible. I have been wearing orthotics for decades, starting long before my PN diagnosis. Some have suggested I talk to my podiatrist (he doesn't know yet about my PN) to get his advice on PN and foot care. I'm wondering if others here have met with their podiatrists and whether your meeting proved to be of some help, especially with your balance and gait. For any stories you might share, thank you!
Ray (@ray666)

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bob1946 | @bob1946 | 1 day ago

My experience is the same but I also developed drop foot & balance problems

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allwheeldrive | @allwheeldrive | 20 hours ago

I have been seeing a podiatrist for years because I could not cut my toenails without terrible stomach cramping. Part of the regular routine is testing blood flow and blood pressure in my legs, feet and toes. Also nerve conduction by touch and by tuning fork vibration. I also have no ongoing pain, but I do experience some peculiar cramping at night sometimes. However, like you , my balance is hopeless and my gait very unstable. Recently, I had my GP refer me to an Exercise Physio;ogist. Now. after 10 weekly visits,I can see and feel vast improvements in balance and general stamina. Most importantly, I am coming to accept that I MUST do the targeted exercises for the rest of my life, in order to regain and maintain functional mobility. This is a big mental shift for me!
The balance exercises on Youtube by Doug Weiss, I find very good!

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1 reply
Ray Kemble | @ray666 | 12 hours ago
In reply to @allwheeldrive "I have been seeing a podiatrist for years because I could not cut my toenails without..." + (show)
@allwheeldrive

I have been seeing a podiatrist for years because I could not cut my toenails without terrible stomach cramping. Part of the regular routine is testing blood flow and blood pressure in my legs, feet and toes. Also nerve conduction by touch and by tuning fork vibration. I also have no ongoing pain, but I do experience some peculiar cramping at night sometimes. However, like you , my balance is hopeless and my gait very unstable. Recently, I had my GP refer me to an Exercise Physio;ogist. Now. after 10 weekly visits,I can see and feel vast improvements in balance and general stamina. Most importantly, I am coming to accept that I MUST do the targeted exercises for the rest of my life, in order to regain and maintain functional mobility. This is a big mental shift for me!
The balance exercises on Youtube by Doug Weiss, I find very good!

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Hello, @allwheeldrive

This will be short. It's bedtime and I'm sleepy. But before I go upstairs, I want to say thank you for mentioning Doug Weiss. I just took a peek at his site and it looks very interesting, I've been doing an online balance program for quite some time; at first, I felt I was getting a lot out of it, but the past few months I been growing rather disenchanted with the program. I've been hoping I'd find a new and (hopefully) better program. So, thank you!

Ray (@ray666)

P.S. I love your Forum name!

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