Walking impairment is one of the most common symptoms of multiple sclerosis (MS). Many people with MS experience difficulties with walking, as well as their gait (walking pattern). These problems may cause a person to walk unsteadily, trip or stumble, and feel less confident in their ability to move around.
The way a person walks depends on many factors, including muscle coordination and the cooperation between different parts of their nervous, musculoskeletal, and cardiorespiratory (heart and lung) systems. Research has found that people with MS have a higher level of gait variability (changes in pattern or speed) than the general population. Changes in stride can cause difficulties with walking, especially over long distances and as a person becomes more fatigued and unstable.
If you notice that you’re having MS walking problems, talk to your health care provider or neurologist. They can help determine whether your difficulty is related to MS, as walking problems may have a different cause. Your doctor will also be able to recommend ways to manage these issues and help you stay as mobile as possible.
Common Gait Problems in MS
People with MS may experience different types of gait abnormalities. Two of the most common gait patterns are known as steppage gait and spastic gait.
Steppage Gait
Steppage gait (also known as neuropathic gait) is characterized by drop foot — an MS symptom in which the front part of the foot drops and does not lift up correctly with the rest of the leg while walking. In a person with drop foot, the toes point downward and may drag or scrape on the ground while walking.
Spastic Gait
Spastic gait is common in people who experience spasticity — a symptom seen in MS that causes involuntary muscle spasms or stiffness. In people with spastic gait, the leg on the side of the body most affected by spasticity is stiff and drags in a semicircular motion.
What Does MS Gait Look Like?
Like other MS symptoms, gait impairments can vary significantly from person to person. Not everyone will experience the same problems when walking. Some may notice changes in the way they walk, whereas others may notice changes in their walking speed or step length.
Some of the most commonly reported walking difficulties in MS include:
- Difficulty walking downstairs
- Taking slower, shorter steps
- Feeling unsteady while walking or turning
- Tripping or stumbling
- Feeling heaviness in the legs when stepping forward
- Experiencing weakness in the legs when placing weight on them
- Difficulty placing the foot firmly on the ground
- Reaching for support from walls, furniture, or other people
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