Gait Disorder

[sab1980]

I myself have gait disorder, in which I have had for over 10 years.

My leg feels very heavy, and it is very difficult to walk.

[Brian1977]

My wife was diagnosed with fnd with gait

[MONIREN]

Hi there. That was one of my first symptoms, 2017, I look like I'm drunk sometimes and find it difficult to walk a straight line, I use a stick and a walker. I'm under a good physio, who helps me with exercises. I have balance issues, plus a variety of other problems associated with FND. If you don't have access to physio, there are videos online. Hope you find some helpful information. Take care. Moni

[sab1980 in reply to MONIREN]

I have tried physiotherapy, but it did not work for me.

Physiotherapy has made my condition worse.

I find it more difficult to walk, I loose my balance, my right leg feels a lot heavier, and I have been having dizzy spells since 2002.

[MONIREN in reply to sab1980]

Sorry to hear that. It really depends on physio, recently, my physio left, had new one, he got me to stand with my feet together and my eyes closed, I hadn't been able to do that for years. I struggled with vertigo for years and new physio gave me neck exercises and I rarely get it now. I was on constant medication for it. We are fortunate, being old, we get free physio in Australia through Aged care. Plus plenty help around the home, certain actions cause vertigo for me. But, all this would be impossible if I had to pay for it. Take note of when your dizziness is worse, it might be that a change in the way you do things could help. Just a suggestion. Take care. Moni

[Lady4]

I found this from an article, general advice - what condition did the doctor diagnose? Its important to get a proper diagnosis for management:

How to Relieve Heavy Legs

If you’re dealing with heavy legs, there are several strategies you can try to find relief:

Take Breaks from Sitting or Standing

If you sit or stand for long periods—like at work—make sure to take breaks regularly. Stand up and stretch every hour if possible. This helps improve circulation and reduces feelings of heaviness.

Elevate Your Legs

Raising your legs above your heart can help reduce swelling and improve blood flow when your legs feel heavy. Try lying down with your legs elevated on pillows for 15–20 minutes each day.

Wear Compression Stockings

Compression stockings are specially designed to support your veins and improve circulation in your legs.

They apply gentle pressure that helps blood flow back toward the heart, which can alleviate feelings of heaviness.

Stay Active

Regular physical activity is essential for good circulation and overall health.

Activities like walking, swimming, or cycling can help keep blood flowing smoothly through your body and reduce feelings of heaviness in your legs.

Massage Your Legs

Gentle massage can help stimulate blood flow and relieve tension in your muscles when they feel heavy. You might try using lotion or oil while massaging for added comfort.

Maintain a Healthy Weight

If you’re overweight, losing weight can significantly reduce pressure on your veins and help alleviate symptoms of heavy legs.

A balanced diet combined with regular exercise is key to achieving this goal.

Stay Hydrated

Drinking enough water is crucial for overall health and can prevent cramping that may contribute to the feeling of heaviness in the legs. Aim for at least eight glasses of water per day.

[soph01]

i’ve just started experiencing the same thing after having seizures for 5 days. it is a horrible feeling. very frustrating and my neurologist won’t see me for a year. do you have any advice on how to deal with it?

[Lady4 in reply to soph01]

Get a referral to PT or OT for movement disorder.

[Shimmyaway]

A year is a long time to wait for a confirmed diagnosis and even then the neurologist may not be able to offer a direct path to treatment. I would check to see if the neuro dept at the hospital has a therapy team for FND (most don't), in which case you might be referred on to neuropsychiatry, who could offer physio ( after a wait) but no guarantee. Three years after diag nosis I have only had 2 NHS , ineffectual neuro physio sessions for the hyperkinetic type of fnd, so in your position I would go for private neuro physiotherapy for fnd , which is a speciali sation. You can find details of what it involves if you google 'physio4fmd'. There is a downloadable work book, produced at ST George's Hospital (London) so you might find a physio willing to go along with the procedures outlined. or if you live close enough there is FND specialisation at Pathways Physio, based in Burton on Trent. Sorry to say this is a DIY journey .. so travel well and with hope in your heart.

[Lady4]

Hi Shimmyaway. I have just ordered a body braid for my son for additional proprioception input. Its supposed to be good for hypermobility and it is used in PT and Psychiatry therapy apparently. I did a post on it a while back and although not the cheapest aid it does have a 90 day money back guarantee if in resaleable condition (you just have to pay postage to return).