No-one told me it was the MS gait, but I have one weak leg, and the opposite hip has been painful intermittently for about a year. I too had XRays which showed nothing so my doctor said it was tendonitis and sent me off to physio. The pain has now eased off, but I've continued the physio, except it's for balance exercises now.

Me too Kitty!

during a flare I do the MS shuffle.

Is that why my left hip has started to bother me? My right leg is the one that drags the foot and is stiffer...hmmm. I'll have to put that in my notes...thanks for sharing everyone...we always learn something new here...

This is my second attempt to reply here.

I fell downstairs due to neuropathy in my feet, and broke my kneecap. So I am now
11 weeks later in a Rehab, now able to bend my knee again and continuing strengthening exercises. But I feel so unsure when I stand up without the walker that i doubt I'll be off it any time soon.

I was told when young by an intern in a hospital where I worked that I had an MS gait,
and also told the same by a PT at a later date. I am not sure what they were seeing.
Maybe I semi-dragged one foot even then? I was not aware then of something wrong with my gait. I have done lots and lots of PT over the years for various problems including the bad hip you mention. I think some of us need PT often.

Ditto what Kitty and Koala said. Frankenstein in the first hour I wake or when I get up in the middle of the night to go to the bathroom.

Same in the recliner after a nap. Then I am okay except in wide open spaces. I don't feel comfortable without walls close to me, in case.

The morning is really like a stiffness in my legs from sleeping.

My right hip is the same, sore, and my left leg tries to swing out and around. I exercise every night. I went to PT learned what they do, and stopped going. I had to pay $60.00 a week in co-pays to go 3 x's a week.

So I do them at home and my balance is so much better. The LDN helped my gait too, I must say.

I hope PT works for you.

This has been such an interesting thread - thank you all. My neuro has classified me as having an MS gait, although it is much better than it used to be - Not long before diagnosis, my manager used to tell me that I walked 'funny' and looked like I was drinking, which was 'REALLY bad for customer perspective'. She told me not to be so lazy and to pick my feet up when I walk. Needless to say, that job didn't last much longer.

I find even now that I am at my worst when I get out of the car after a trip and my legs have been inactive for 30 minutes or so. I really do the Frankenstein thing then. Same with getting up during the night or if I am on uneven or unfamiliar ground.

Nice to know that I am in good company! We might have gotten a job in the 'Thriller' film clip.

Lyn

What my neuro explained to me - those with MS walk with a wider stance to help with balance. I thought I walked just fine and he was full of it.

Then one day I was out walking and noticed my feet/legs were spaced farther apart, it was not intentional but my body's way of compensating for balance.

Wider stance is what I am aware of as being the MS gait.

Dang it, I wish I'd still had an MS Gait.

Well, LOL, I'm serious. My gait is, mostly, in my scooter now.

Well, PT 3x's this week..doing balancing exercises on a big rubber ball. I think I could buy me a exercise ball and do these at home! Save myself 75$ a week which I can't really afford..what do ya think guys?? Sally, (((hugs))).