Walk funny

[Gary1310]

Wondering if I will ever walk normal again. I have limped for about 2 years ....was diagnosed in January withPMR. I am reducing from 20 mg to now, 8 mg. I find myself walking....funny. I hold onto furniture as I go from room to room. I am feeling pretty good, except for the fatigue. When in remission can I expect to walk normal?

[SheffieldJane]

Gosh I hope so, I walk like a penguin but can consciously improve it with good posture. I think my muscles need some gentle work. ( 3.4 yrs PMR and down to 5 mgs/ 4 .5 mgs). It was initially a response to pain and stiffness.

[Koalajane in reply to SheffieldJane]

I walk like a penguin as well especially after getting out of bed in the morning

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer]

Hi,

Many find that their legs (and balance) are affected by PMR.

I started Pilates because I felt my legs were quite weak -and because most of the exercises are done either on the floor or on a bench I thought it would most suitable for me (also had an arthritic knee which didn’t help either).

Others have tried Tai Chi, or Nordic Walking to improve strength.

Very often AgeConcern or other organisations give taster lessons in different exercises - might be worth looking locally to see if anything is available.

[pmrgcavictim]

Hi Gary1310, If you are like ME, and some, or many of the other PMRers in the gang, we call it POLLYWADDLE. We've most likely got it until our leg muscles recover enough to walk properly. Sorry about that. Trevor.

[PMRpro Ambassador]

WHY do you hold onto furniture? My immediate suspicion is that you have reduced a bit too far and your hips are stiff again.

Once I was on pred I walked normally again and if I don't, then it is a flare. Someone has posted today to say don't be in denial just so you stay at a lower dose of pred. It doesn't do you any favours.

It may be balance - some ladies went to a Nordic walking class set up by Age UK some years ago. One was using a zimmer frame and one was a bit like you. After some months they were walking normally even without supports. The poles you use gave them the confidence to walk and the walking improved both their leg muscles and their balance.

[Gary1310 in reply to PMRpro]

I think it is balance... I just touch chairs, etc. to correct balance and know they

are there if I need to grab on. Everything else seems to be improving.....fatigue is

still a problem but I am adjusting. I attempt to walk outdoors, each day for a short distance. I can do it by concentrating and stopping. My favorite spot to walk, along Lake Michigan, has benches about every hundred feet...perfect for me. Just knowing they are there gives me confidence to continue.

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Gary1310]

Have you tried using walking poles? Tai chi and Pilates also improve balance a great deal.

[Gary1310 in reply to PMRpro]

My son bought me a cane, it helps but I do not want to become dependent on it. Keep in my car.

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Gary1310]

The walking poles help you feel more balanced - they are NOT for leaning on at all so you wouldn't become dependent on them.

[Hidden in reply to Gary1310]

They are just to balance you. No weight is put on them. It's just like your furniture but outside.

[Marijo1951 in reply to Gary1310]

I recognise the confidence that strategically placed benches give. I live in the city with plenty of bus stops, each with a bench, and quite a lot of roadside and park benches placed in memory of peoples' loved ones, plus a number of clean low walls which come in very handy too. I've got a bit of a penguin walk too, but I move a lot more freely than when I was first struck down with PMR.

[Funnyoldworld]

I'm a penguin too! I can improve it if I use a stick and concentrate but mostly I'm a penguin!

[Gary1310]

Yes, perfect description...penguin!

[Hidden]

Splayed feet can indicate that your sciatic nerve is tight. That goes with stiff hips and reduced activity. The worse my back is the more splayed my feet are. I do lots of stretches to strengthen and lengthen. There are lots online. Here's just one example...some might prefer YouTube...

livestrong.com/article/3335...

[Grants148]

I feel that l walk with a bit of a ‘waddle,’ and l can easily feel off balance ,definitely not good at climbing up onto anything ,and twisting round quickly l could easily fall over .l find it particularly difficult trimming and pruning things in the garden,often have to cling onto something which is not good when trimming the roses !

[teesher]

I find Pilates really helpful in stenghthening the leg muscles. I used to walk funny too but it has improved with pred and time. You'll get there.

[Gary1310]

Thank you, all. I now have hope .