Walking and multiple sclerosis

Here is My Question:
I have neuropathy pain, but I can still walk. I can't take very long walks like hours but in general walking is not an issue. Steep hills or stairs become a bit harder but I can still do it. I do feel pain in my leg if I over did it with anything using my leg. As I was diagnosed with MS three yrs ago,I am now worrying if one day I will not be able to walk. I try to stay positive and active and think it will be okay,till my husband made a comment that my walking is not so great.To be honest my walking is not so bad, it's just the pain I get after or during sometimes. Will my walking continue to get worse? I am 44 yrs old and have also walked a lot....and still walk but depending on the day or heat.

​Answer:
This question is common among patients with MS and can be quite anxiety provoking.  As I read your question, you refer to neuropathy pain.  Paresthesias (or abnormal sensory symptoms) can be painful in MS and can certainly be brought out by exertion and heat (or made worse by this).  It is really impossible for me to determine if your symptoms are due to this or something else (for instance, a
musculoskeletal problem).

You are correct that pain can influence your walking mechanics (and that may be what your husband is seeing).  Once again, I cannot tell. That would need to be evaluated by your neurologist.

I would encourage you to look at the "more" tab on the Healthcare Journey website and then select "symptoms" which will bring up a list that may apply to your situation.  There is a lot of good information here that can help calm the anxiety around MS symptoms.

As always, follow-up with your neurologist who can monitor for signs of progression (to determine if the MS is still "inactive").

A. Scott Nielsen, MD MMSc
Multiple Sclerosis Specialist
Department of Neurology
Kaiser Permanente Southern California