Balance Issues With Neuropathy

Today's post from neuropathydr.com (see link below) is a short and succinct article describing the problems that losing balance due to nerve damage can bring. It rightly points out that balance issues can be among the most worrying side effects of neuropathy and also one of the most common. The article points out that there are things you can do to help and this website is one of the most reliable in offering good advice. Worth a read and worth following the links to learn more.

Balance and Neuropathy Treatment
by admin | Jul 23, 2018 |

One of the more common but sometimes under diagnosed components of some forms of peripheral neuropathy is loss of balance. Patients will often say “I don’t have neuropathy; I only walk like I’ve had a few drinks”. This is why it is so crucial to address balance and neuropathy treatment.

In the clinic, we call this “gait” changes. Of course, there are many neurologic disorders that can cause you to walk abnormally or to lose your balance.

But this loss of balance occurs frequently in peripheral neuropathy and sometimes its the very first things patients notice. This is primarily due to changes in sensation in your feet to touch, as well as position sense, or what doctors call proprioception.

One of the most important things to recognize is that left untreated, this problem often gets worse. It requires not only treatment for the neuropathy component but also rehabilitation to help retrain balance and coordination, wherever this is possible.

There are some very simple steps they can be taken almost immediately to prevent catastrophic falls and help balance and neuropathy treatment.

The first thing is to make sure that proper footwear is worn at all times. Secondly, remove common hazards around the household such as objects upon stairs, rugs without non-slip backing or pads, spilled liquids on the floor etc.

Be especially careful in kitchens and bathrooms. Once neuropathy treatment has begun, we’ll instruct you in a series of exercises to help retrain your nervous system.

This is only possible when adequate balance and neuropathy treatment has been able to improve sensation to the soles of your feet, and position sense to your toes and ankles and knees.

This is why getting care early can go along way towards helping possible neuropathy recovery, but also set the stage for a return to a more active lifestyle.

Remember, the sooner you act, the sooner you improve.

Please, do not wait for your situation to really deteriorate before seeking active balance and neuropathy treatment intervention.

Good treatment for many of the more common forms of neuropathy is now available!

All you have to do is ask!!!

Join the conversation today on Facebook by clicking HERE!

https://neuropathydr.com/balance-and-neuropathy-treatment/

Balance Issues With Neuropathy

Today's post from absolutefootcarelv.com (see link below) looks at a common problem for people living with neuropathy and that is maintaining balance on various surfaces. You think you have everything under control and then a sudden loss of balance can take you unawares and lead to potential injury. Yoy have to try to be aware of your footing at all times but this is often easier said than done. This short article gives some useful tips and therapies you can carry out at home to improve your balance. Worth trying out.
 

Don’t Take Balance for Granted
Dr. Noah Levine Sept. 22

Every afternoon, Las Vegas witnesses the Fall of Atlantis. It’s true—every hour, from 11 AM to close at Caesars Forum Shops, a spectacular fountain show with lights, pyrotechnics, animatronics, and of course water spouts reenacts the dramatic fall of the mythical kingdom. It’s a fun, 11-minute show that’ll entertain your whole family. Of course, if you have diabetes, Atlantis isn’t the only fall that should concern you. Your own sense of balance might be compromised by the disease.
 
Diabetes slowly degrades your nerves, inhibiting them. Your feet are particularly susceptible, so it’s fairly common for diabetics to develop peripheral neuropathy, especially if you struggle with controlling your blood sugar levels. The problem is that this also weakens your sense of balance. Numbness in your lower limbs increases your odds of falling by having weak muscles that are unable to maintain your balance.

Exercises and therapy to improve your balance, however, can help you stay on your feet and avoid injuries from falling. Here are a few simple ones you can do at home:

Heel-toe walking – Walk in a straight line across a room, carefully setting your heel down first, then lowering the ball of the foot and the toes. Set the next step directly in front of the first, so the heel of that foot touches the toes of your other.

One-leg balancing – Stand on one leg for 30 seconds without holding anything for support. When that gets easier, extend your time or close your eyes.

Unstable surface balancing – Balance on one foot while standing on a pillow, mini trampoline, or some other soft surface. You may need to start while holding a chair, then slowly let go and try to balance for 30 seconds.

Ankle circles – Sitting with your feet in front of you, rotate your feet at the ankles in clockwise and counterclockwise circles, 10 rotations in each direction.
Heel raises – Stand with your feet apart. Slowly rise up on your toes, then lower to flat. Repeat 10 – 20 times. Your sense of balance is important for your mobility. It’s hard to walk around and be active if you can’t stay upright! Don’t take your balance for granted, particularly if you have diabetes.

http://www.absolutefootcarelv.com/blog/dont-take-balance-granted/