Gait disorder
In multiple sclerosis, a gait disorder develops due to the accompanying symptoms. It usually shows a somewhat unsteady gait pattern with slight sway, especially around corners or through doors. This can occur due to coordination/balance difficulties, as self-perception is disturbed and distances are harder to estimate due to existing visual disorders.
Gait exercises through various step variations, such as large steps, turns when walking, tiptoeing, tiptoeing steps, lifting the knees when walking, side steps, transfer steps and walking backwards improve walking safety. In addition, the gait pattern can change due to spasticity. Often the patient compensates by circumnavigating the hip, pulling the hip up too far and turning the leg forward by rotating it outward.
Another possibility is walking in the pointed foot due to a shortened Achilles tendon. In both variants, the tonus must be worked on. When compensating via the pelvis, the pelvis and also the lumbar spine should be mobilized to expand the movement. If there is paralysis in the foot lifter, the patient lifts the leg via increased knee flexion and this also results in an altered muscle tone, which should be treated to prevent accompanying symptoms such as pain and overstrain.
Summary
Multiple sclerosis is a chronic inflammation of the nerve fibers that worsens nerve conduction. This results in symptoms such as coordination difficulties, balance problems, altered muscle tone, gait disorders, visual disturbances and fatigue. In physiotherapy, special treatment is given according to the symptoms.
The muscle tone is reduced by certain grip techniques and paralysis in the muscle is attempted to be activated by stimuli. General exercises to improve coordination and balance through counter exercises with arms and legs and training on uneven surfaces are particularly effective. Step exercises in different variations should be included in case of gait disorders.
