Walking after a stroke can be very different from walking before. One leg may feel awake and normal while the other feels heavy,stiff unsteady and weak. You may tire quickly,worry about falling or feel frustrated if your progress slows.
The good news is that walking can continue to improve with the right support, frequent practice,and patience. Recovery looks different for every SURVIVOR. The safest approach is to work with your healthcare team and movement into your daily routine at a level that matches your abilities.
WHY WALKING CAN BE DIFFICULT AFTER A STROKE
A stroke can affect the parts of the brain that control strength,balance,sensation and movement. Since all strokes are different,not all SURVIVORS experience walking challenges after a stroke. But it’s very common to do so. As a result SURVIVORS may experience:
1)weakness on one side of the body
2)Difficulty lifting the front of the foot or moving your toes on the affected side,sometimes called muscle stiffness or spasticity
3)trouble coordinating the legs
4)poor balance
5)fear of falling
6) changes in sensation such as numbness or tingling
9)fatigue that makes walking more difficult later in the day
These challenges do not mean that improvement is not possible. They simply mean that walking practice may need to be adapted to allow gradual progress
START
START WITH A PROFESSIONAL ASSESSMENT
Before beginning a new walk or exercise routine speak with your doctor,physical therapist and/or your rehabilitation professional. They can assist with building your strength,returning your walking gait to something close to what it was prior to the stroke They may also recommend footwear,braces and other devices to minimize your risk of falling
A therapist may recommend helpful equipment such as:
1)single or quad (4-legged) cane
2) walker
3)ankle boot or orthosis(AFO)for foot drop
4)Gait Belt for safe walking
Do not stop using the recommended walking aide simply because you to become independent without it, the right aide can help you practice more safely while both your strength and balance improve
Practice short,regular walking sessions. Long walks are not always the best starting point. Shorter sessions done consistently may be more manageable and help avoid excessive fatigue thus reducing the risk of falls
Your healthcare professional may recommend
:
1) walk for a short period and stop before you get exhausted
2)Repeat,if you’re able later in the day Focus on controlled steps rather than speed. As walking becomes easier your therapist can help you gradually increase distance,duration and/or complexity when walking be sure to focus on foot placement Many SURVIVORS have difficulty controlling the placement of one foot, so it’s important to pay attention where each foot lands
IMPROVE LEG STRENGTH
1)Strong legs can make standin,walking, changing directions easier
Your therapist may recommend:
1)Sitting marches
2)Supported sit to stand exercises
3)heel raises
4)using a stretch strap to stretch the calf and ankle
5) Standing in place marches while using your hands to balance on a counter to prevent falling
KNOW WHEN IT’S TIME TO STOP WALKING/EXERCISING
1)Stop if you experience sudden dizziness or weakness
2)CHEST PAINS
3)Sudden loss of balance
4)Difficulty speaking
5)Unusually severe headache
6)Sudden vision changes
7)Sudden confusion
8)Severe shortness of breath
All of the above may be signs of a medical emergency and you should seek medical help
IMPORTANT DISCLAIMER
This article is for general educational purposes and is not a substitute for professional medical or therapy advice,diagnosis or treatment. Speak with your doctor or therapist before starting a new exercise routine and concerns you may have about your progress.