Published on: 4/28/2025
Common treatments for walking difficulty include physical therapy and exercises to build strength and balance, medications, and assistive devices like canes or braces for additional support.
Walking difficulty can stem from several conditions, including stroke, age-related joint mobility issues, or traumatic injuries such as fractured bones. Various treatment approaches can help people who have trouble walking. Physical therapy is one of the main treatments. During sessions, a physical therapist guides patients through exercises, stretching, and balance training to strengthen their legs and improve walking speed. In addition to physical therapy, medications may be helpful for certain conditions such as Parkinson's disease or multiple sclerosis. Assistive devices like canes, walkers, and braces may also be recommended. These tools provide extra support and help prevent falls while walking. Using a combination of these treatments allows people to move around with greater safety and confidence.
(References)
Blight AR. Treatment of walking impairment in multiple sclerosis with dalfampridine. Ther Adv Neurol Disord. 2011 Mar;4(2):99-109. doi: 10.1177/1756285611403960. PMID: 21694807; PMCID: PMC3105618.
Plummer P, Stewart A, Anderson JN. Patient and Clinician Perspectives of Physical Therapy for Walking Difficulties in Multiple Sclerosis. Mult Scler Int. 2023 Feb 15;2023:1121051. doi: 10.1155/2023/1121051. PMID: 36844028; PMCID: PMC9946742.
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