Walking can be a huge challenge for people with MS, courtesy of balance issues, spasticity, strength problems, and fatigue. CNN has a slideshow on some of the mobility devices available for MS patients: Stepping Through Multiple Sclerosis.
I’ve used a few of these.
– The foot up was useful for foot drop issues, but it complicated those moments when I needed to let my foot down, like going down the stairs.
– I’ve relied on a cane quite a bit. When I realized I’d need a cane, I told my husband I wanted a cool one. Not only did he find me a beautiful one, but he got me a collapsible cane so I could keep it with me.
– I used an ECV (electric conveyance vehicle) when my family went to Disney World. Without it, I would not have been able to enjoy the vacation with my family. It was surprisingly easy to navigate, and I got to spend a lot more time in the parks. There’s no way I could have handled all of that walking.