Walking

[teena marie]

Hi all,

Larry, I agree with the knee lifting but have difficulty on the left side although I keep trying.

My latest is to concentrate on the rolling motion of my feet. It seems to trigger good impulses up my leg.

Veronica, how is the treadmill routine? I've used a treadmill a few times. It's hard to find one that goes slow enough. I need one that starts at 0 mph. I'll look into it again this fall.

I also find crawling helps. Crawling out of the water onto the beach has been good.

I've been going down stairs backwards for some time. I agree, Celia. It's safer and easier on the knees.

Take care all,

Teena Marie

[celia]

stairs, dogs

Larry, have you tried walking downstairs backwards? It works, as long as there is a good handrail, and is easier on your knees.

Coyotes: lots here (Los Alamos, NM), trotting along in the day time. More danger to adults from little ankle-biting fluffy dogs "under voice control."

[AMFADVENTURES]

TM, I had to wait a while before responding here but I think I can say, with out a doubt now, that stair climbing is helping my walking. It's most apparent in the mornings and, as usual, has evaporated by evening but there is the early hour or two when it's quite noticeable. I've been walking up and down a flight of 12 stairs about 6 times a day. Walking down is actually more difficult.

Also, a PT I saw a few weeks ago suggested that I concentrate on lifting my knee when I walk and it worked. If you can lift the knee, the foot will follow and tends to automatically kick out in front. It takes some concentration and there is still a gait involved but it's not the pronounced foot dragging it used to be.

Paul, no shortage of coyotes here either but the most dangerous encounter I've had to date was a friendly pup who jumped up on me while I was standing over my bike and knocked me down.

Larry

[Fit Paul]

I live the beautiful southwest. Here in Albuquerque loose dogs are not uncommon. I have also been within 20 feet of wild coyotes. Usually they leave people alone but on occasion they get aggressive.

[Diana]

Paul, Where do you live that you have to deal with roving dog attacks on people walking? Sounds terrifying!

[Fit Paul]

I love walking, it is one of the best exercises for those of us with MS. I always use forearm crutches and they have saved me from falling numerous times. One suggestion for anyone walking outside, go to a police supply store and buy a can of pepper spray to ward off dog attacks.

[teena marie]

Hi all,

I'm continually trying to fine tune my walking and plan to walk without sticks. I'm just not sure when. It sounds like walking is a preoccupation for many of us. There have been some great posts recently with good information. I thought it would be great to build on this and put it as a thread.

My left hip flexor is weak so my left leg drags ands is hard to move forward. There is a degree of spasticity that also hinders forward motion. I use a bungee type cord clipped to my shoe attached to a shoulder belt. Not only dose this help with the foot drop, it helps move the leg forward in a normal swing using the muscle correctly, thereby training it at the same time.

I know Veronica posted a great treadmill routine-maybe it should move here?


It would be great to hear other experiences.

Take care all,

Teena Marie