walking and balance problems

Many people who have MS develop walking problems, which can be due to many different aspects of control of movement. The most common problems are with gait and balance. These can be caused by muscle weakness, spasticity, muscle fatigue and changes in sensation.

More unusual symptoms are:

• changes in movement control, which make it hard that to place the foot accurately and can lead to tripping and falling
• foot drop, muscle weakness affecting the ability to clear the ground when walking
• problems with balance, such as vertigo.

Treatment is best done by a MS specialist neurophysiotherapist. They can assess the causes of walking and balance difficulties and work on exercise programs and other assisted methods to help overcome them. This may include providing appropriate aids, assistive devices, teaching exercise programmes and general advice on gait and safety.