Walking/Gait
There are many different types of "gait" associated with MS and many other illnesses. The similarity in them all is the fact that they all can cause a degree of difficulty in walking, to what degree depends on the illness, severity, and location.
Types of Gait Associated with MS:
Source: http://my-ms.org/symptoms_movement_disorders.htm
Managing Walking/Gait Issues:
Most gait problems can be helped to some extent by physical therapy (including exercises and gait training), the use of appropriate assistive devices and, in some cases, medications for spasticity, fatigue, and walking speed. Ampyra (dalfampridine) was approved in 2010 for its ability to improve walking in people with MS. In clinical trials leading to the drug's approval, Ampyra improved walking speed by about 25% in all forms of MS. Careful evaluation by a trained health care professional is essential for creating the appropriate therapy program for each individual.
Source: http://www.nationalmssociety.org/about-multiple-sclerosis/what-we-know-about-ms/symptoms/walking-gait-problems/index.aspx
Types of Gait Associated with MS:
- Ataxic Gait: The person tends to stand and walk with the legs wide apart and has significant problems with balance. If due to loss of sensation, the person is heavily dependent on visual cues and is very uncertain with their steps.
- Spastic gait: The person walks stiffly especially with attempts at rapid walking. The legs tend to scissor with a slight circumduction as the leg comes forward.As it becomes more severe they may appear to almost shuffle with restricted hip and knee movements
- Steppage Gait: The person with a footdrop will lift the leg higher as it advances forward giving the appearance that they are about to go up one step with that leg. The foot particularly the heel may strike the ground harder and they may exhibit hyperextension at the knee joint.
- Frontal gait: The person is usually vary uncertain on standing or attempts at walking with the feet appearing to be glued to the ground when severe. Patients will tend to fall backwards easily.
Source: http://my-ms.org/symptoms_movement_disorders.htm
Managing Walking/Gait Issues:
Most gait problems can be helped to some extent by physical therapy (including exercises and gait training), the use of appropriate assistive devices and, in some cases, medications for spasticity, fatigue, and walking speed. Ampyra (dalfampridine) was approved in 2010 for its ability to improve walking in people with MS. In clinical trials leading to the drug's approval, Ampyra improved walking speed by about 25% in all forms of MS. Careful evaluation by a trained health care professional is essential for creating the appropriate therapy program for each individual.
Source: http://www.nationalmssociety.org/about-multiple-sclerosis/what-we-know-about-ms/symptoms/walking-gait-problems/index.aspx
Here are some inspiring videos about people with mobility issues (click on the link below):
http://www.everydayhealth.com/health-report/living-with-multiple-sclerosis/mobility-videos.aspx
http://www.everydayhealth.com/health-report/living-with-multiple-sclerosis/mobility-videos.aspx
Read our patient blog with some tips for going to a show or concert.
http://www.healthcarejourney.com/7/post/2014/01/ms-wont-stop-the-show-from-going-on.html
http://www.healthcarejourney.com/7/post/2014/01/ms-wont-stop-the-show-from-going-on.html
Read this article on wearing the right shoes...http://www.momentummagazineonline.com/shoe-fits/
PLEASE NOTE: The medical information on this site is provided as an information resource only, and is not to be used or relied on for any diagnostic or treatment purposes. This information does not create any patient-physician relationship, and should not be used as a substitute for professional diagnosis and treatment. Please consult your health care provider before making any healthcare decisions or for guidance about a specific medical condition.
