Walking With a Limp

[slightlybroken]

In Oct. I had a bad spell. It effected my walking really bad. I could barely walk. My walking has improved but now I walk with a limp. I don't notice most days (except at the end of the day when I have been on my feet too long or have been walking) but it is everyday. It's funny how you get use to things.

On certain days I think I'm doing good....then I run in to friends and they notice the limp. I asked my hubby if I limp everyday..he said ..yes. I was wondering if it would ever go away or is this how it's going to be from now on. Has anyone had any experience with this or any advice? I could sure use it. I'm not sure what to do or what to ask the doctor for so anything would help....THANKS :)

[HVAC]

Hello. There are two things in MS inflammation and nerve damage. If your limp is do to inflammation it may go away when the inflammation dies down. It is important to bring this up to your doctor. He might prescribe steroids for inflammation if that is what is going on. If the limit is due to nerve damage it may not go away.

Also you might need a gait evaluation with a Physical Therapist. Sometimes we limp from secondary issues. Like knees or hips are injured from our MS gaits.The PT can give you exercises or see if you need a walking aid. I went to one and she gave me exercises. I use hand crutches when I do a lot of walking or have to stand. Standing hurts my legs, feet, and back.

Also the doctor can prescribe medication for muscle spasms or nerve pain if that is an issue.

Alex

[tomtoys]

This week I started to limp and thought maybe it's from an old injury.Decided to check this site out and see if anyone else was having a problem with limping. I don't have any advice, just a little nervous and wonder if it will go away ever.

tomtoys777

[Sniper7437]

you are surely not alone, allow me to join the bandwagon, I am from India and more of now, since last one and half year, I walk with limping, esp in my left leg. I don't know whether is it due to few more pounds I gained or what, but people around me keep me asking that why do you limp, and I have no answer except embarrassment, can you suggest me on how to recover on it...

[Lulu54]

So sorry to hear you have developed this limp. It can certainly affect our outlook on everything else when we have a noticeable physical problem.  The mental deficiencies are particularly frightening.  

I want to ask why you went off the meds and if there is a possibility you can go back on something?  We know it isn't perfect but it is the best choice we have right now to slow this disease.   Please think about that and get in touch with your neurologist to discuss options.

best, Lulu

[ruby338]

I have been off the MS meds. two years now.  I had forgot I have a diganosis of MS.  I have had this consistent limp for two months now.  At first it went and came but now it is pretty consistant.  Bummed out!  I have been able to maintain a busy scheulde with work, 11 year old and 15 year old and board meetings.  Scared now that this limp wont go.  I hope other things don't start to go now. :(  My biggest fear is my mind going.  I have been forgetful (short term memory is horrible) What's next? :/  I have been denied several times for life insurance because of the diagnosis.  Still looking.  I don't think I'm going to die I just want my kiddos to be ok.

[jensequitur]

My right leg has been weak since a flare in 07.  Some days I feel good and barely notice it, while on other days the knee keeps folding up.  When I was having that spinal myoclonus a couple of months ago, my right leg would get really weak and buzzy feeling.

I've asked my neuro about PT, but he says it wouldn't help.  He thinks the weakness is due to neurological damage.  In other words, I won't be able to strengthen that muscle to make my leg stronger.  I can find ways to use that leg and keep the knee from folding up - which is basically what I'm doing right now, without the benefit of PT.

[saveone]

Hi slightlybroken, I too have the same problems with walking, stumbling, falling, weakness, etc.  Just for laughs, neither my neurologist or my GP suggested PT...it was my neuropsych...go figure.  However, my GP did order it when I asked.  It has helped.  My legs last a little longer before they tire.  But as the PT said, we can help you strengthen the muscles, which may help you some, but if the brain don't send the signal nothing will work.  He went on to say not to expect improvement but hopefully stability.  Personally I find even the minor improvement a blessing and they are doing balance training with me also.

So I would recommend you get an eval...it can't hurt...and like I said even small improvements are blessings.

peace, love and joy

terry

[slightlybroken]

Thanks,

At least I know I'm not alone....I'm not sure what causes it. I do have weakness in the left and right leg (more on the left) and I suffer from spasms. It does seem to be worse with activity so I guess it all could be caused from the weakness. It never goes away. There's not one day I go without limping and that is what is worrying me. There is some days I don't think I'm limping but my hubby says that I am...it is just worse and more noticeable to me, anyways, on certain days or by the end of the day.

Does anybody know what I could do at home to strengthen it or what I should ask the doctors? Several doctors have seen the limping..they just don't make any suggestions or comments. Is there medication that would make it better or exercises. Should I ask for help...like a cane? I just don't know what to do or when your suppose to ask for things and my doctors don't seem to be offering..even though they see me like this.

Don't get me wrong I get around...just not very good...and I'm not very stable on my feet. I have become dependant on my right leg to get me up from a sitting position. The left leg is just not that good anymore. The right leg will have some stamina but will shortly wear out, becoming weak like the left. By the end of the day...I'm walking really funny to bed because both legs are done in.

I just don't know what to ask for. I figured the doctors would see the problem..and want to fix it...or offer some help eventually when they realized that it wasn't going away. So what do I do? Do I go to my GP or my neuro for help or do I just deal with it like I have been since Oct?

[kezzabuck]

And you know you have MS? Dont you? They are exactly the same as my symptoms.....

[doni54]

Hi,

I have extremely weak legs, too.  Seems my right side is always worse and I limp, too.  Some days, if I've overdone the day before, or been on my feet too much, it is worse.

I always have a hard time walking when I first wake up.  I also have lots of pain in my right heel so it adds to my limping.

When I went to my neuro appt, I wasn't having a bad day, but he saw where my right side was weaker than my left.  I guess we do just get used to it after a while, and compensate without any thought.

I don't have any advice on how to cope with this, but at least you know someone else has this same problem.  

Many on here have talked about phyical therapy and how it helps strength the muscles, maybe we should check into this more?

Your friend in limping!!!
doni