the function of a cane or walker is to assist balance by increasing a persons base of support so as to not fall, not to increase the ability to walk longer distances. Not all people with PN have severe balance problems or develop severe balance problems later on as the disease progresses. Many people with PN do get tired very easily and very quickly while standing or walking. The pain levels also increase for many after standing for a while or walking more than a short distance. For example my legs start to get a very heavy feel, like im lugging around tree trunks and my feet feel as if the bones are broken. A cane or walker will not help that. My balance was not severely compromised, though i did have problems, in the early part of my PN but has gotten progressively worse. I know a number of people who have PN and who dont use a cane or walker and have won their SSDI or SSI cases.