Walking difficulties

[bandicoot1987]

Hi all

I’ve written a few past post about my partner Wayne and the fact that his ms has been kind to him over the last 7 years

However the last few months he has become a lot more unbalanced when walking and today was by far the worst

He can walk, he has no aids and apparently doesn’t need them as up to today he just sways occasionally from side to side like he maybe a little drunk

He’s very disheartened at the fact we just had to cut our 30 min walk short because he was literally walking all over the place. He said he doesn’t feel like he’s going to fall over, but his legs really ache and he is very unbalanced.

Due to being in lockdown and very little income right now we can’t go to a gym so has anyone got any ideas for exercising at home he can do to help with this? Or any other words of wisdom?

We do have a balance board which he uses very little but even I notice that when he makes the effort to use it, it does make improvements. So this time I’ve told him we will make a daily plan and stick to it to help him, even 10 minutes a day. I’m worried if he just stops he’ll get worse

Thank you all in advance 😌 xxx

[starlight5]

Is physical therapy an option? The first walking aid I used to help with balance was walking sticks, like cross country ski poles. I got mine at Target for under $20. I didn't find a cane helpful. For exercise and balance suggestions I would look on Youtube, you will find many great ideas there

[2littletime]

Hi...I don't have any suggestions, but I can totally relate! Balance is & has been my top issue forever.(20 years) my only word of advice is... "Keep doing as much as you can for as long as you can." I wish you & Wayne the best. .👍💖

[bxrmom]

I have used a cane when my balance has been really off. He may be in a relapse and need to have steroids to get to a somewhat 'normal' state. The MS Gym group has videos on Facebook and Youtube. Just do a search for The MS Gym. Good luck to your partner. Keep us updated when you can.

[kycmary]

My balance is off too has been for yrs a cane did not help my balance a walker did & PT his ins should cover some for a walker I recommend 1 of the rolling type it is easier to use & has a seat to sit and rest. I have never used walking sticks they may be better for walking on uneven ground. I live on a small in Kentucky.

[Frances_B]

He needs to see his doctor - it is possible he has some sort of ear infection, but it is also possible that he may be having a relapse and could need some treatment. Managing the problem by using exercise is not the way to go unless the docs have checked him over first.

[rjoneslaw]

i belong to this online exercise program that is for ms and they have a paid and free membership

under the free tab they have an exercise for balance he can download you can also see everything they for free there . they're on facebook and youtube. the ms society has recommended it . my neuro rehab dr has told me she has seen improvements since i've been doing and she has a lot of her patients about

their site is

themsgym.com

just click on the free tab to see everything or just click the free exercises on the page

[goatgal]

Perhaps he would be helped with a pair of walking sticks/trek poles for around the neighborhood and longer walks (even a single one is useful). If you look online, there are many Tai Chi exercises which you both can do together at home at your convenience. Personally, I find the most difficult part of my suggestions is my commitment to following through, but even a little time spent is often helpful.

[CalfeeChick CommunityAmbassador]

I'm going into my year 5 of MS. Balance has almost been an affect of MS and worsens as I get more tired later in the day. I do use a "walking Stick" if we go for a walk. Fortunately, our gym is open on a limited basis.. Chair yoga has been great. Just put "chair yoga" into your search window and find one that works for you. It took me a few weeks to see and feel results, so don't give up too quickly. The chair yoga also helps my balance 😊

[JTZES]

No one wants to give into the fact that medical devices are needed but it sounds like a cane is needed. 10 minutes on a recumbent bike can help with strengh in both legs.