How does balance therapy rebuild stability with peripheral neuropathy and numb feet?

Why does neuropathy make balance worse?

Sensation from the soles of the feet and the ankle joints is one of the three main balance inputs. When it fades, the brain depends more on vision and the inner ear. That is why people with neuropathy often feel fine in daylight on a flat floor but unsteady at night, on grass or on gravel.

How do you assess balance with neuropathy?

We check foot sensation and ankle strength, measure sway on the BioSway system across the four modified CTSIB conditions², test walking speed and turning, and screen the inner ear for problems such as BPPV that add to the risk. The results guide which systems to train.

What does balance therapy for neuropathy include?

• Hip and ankle strength and stepping drills
• Balance practice on varied surfaces, with and without vision, to train the inner ear
• Walking practice, including turns and obstacles
• Footwear advice, daily foot checks and home lighting

Exercise that challenges balance reduces falls in older adults³.

Where can I get neuropathy balance therapy in Cumming or Alpharetta?

We see patients with neuropathy-related unsteadiness from Cumming, Suwanee, Sugar Hill, Alpharetta and Johns Creek. We are in-network with Traditional Medicare, BCBS / Anthem and Tricare, and our Cumming clinic's overhead harness allows safe practice of harder challenges.

Where can I get help in Alpharetta, Cumming and nearby?

Dr. Manan Patel, PT, DPT, TPS and our team of physical therapists see patients from Alpharetta, Johns Creek, Milton, Roswell, Cumming, Suwanee, Sugar Hill, Buford, Duluth and Forsyth County at two North Atlanta clinics. Every visit is 60 minutes, one-on-one, and urgent appointments are available within 48 hours. We are in-network with Traditional Medicare, BCBS / Anthem and Tricare, and offer a $129 rate per visit for self-pay and out-of-network plans. Not sure where to start? Take the free symptom self-check, or visit our Alpharetta clinic or Cumming clinic page.

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References

1. Allet L, et al. The gait and balance of patients with diabetes can be improved: a randomised controlled trial. Diabetologia. 2010.
2. Shumway-Cook A, Horak FB. Assessing the influence of sensory interaction on balance: suggestion from the field. Physical Therapy. 1986.
3. Sherrington C, et al. Exercise for preventing falls in older people living in the community. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. 2019.

Answered by Dr. Manan Patel, PT, DPT, TPSDoctor of Physical Therapy, Certified Vestibular Specialist and one of the few certified Therapeutic Pain Specialists in North Atlanta, with 15+ years of outpatient care. About Dr. Patel

This answer is general education, not a diagnosis or a substitute for an examination. If you have new or worsening symptoms, contact your doctor. Call 911 for sudden severe dizziness with trouble speaking, weakness, numbness, double vision or a severe headache.