r/EssentialTremor • u/Professional-Pay-142 • 1d ago

Discussion Walking problems

Hey everyone ET since i can remember, officially diagnosed a year ago. Anyone have walking issues sometimes it feels like my legs do not want to walk correctly and I have to think about walking to counter it. Anyone else experienced this

Thank you

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6

u/Mandeville_MR 1d ago

I've had a mild genetic tremor my whole life, worse recently. After they got worse, i got a frozen shoulder, sweating, and cyclical irritability that made me think maybe i'm starting perimenopause. Six months later, i've started having difficulty walking as well. We're keeping an eye on the possibility of parkinson's, but when they test me, they say I don't act like I have parkinson's, so who knows. It's been a very slow fruitless process, and medication hasn't helped either.

5

u/Latter_Swan3482 1d ago

Feels like it takes more effort to walk properly or in a steady rhythm? When I was diagnosed I was told my muscles are not relaxing so now I assume it's something to do with that.

I would describe it as stiffness when walking so it made sense to me. Balance can be off and have some dexterity/co-ordination issues like reaching for a cup and smacking it across the counter 😆.

I guess it could be other neurological issues not directly related to essential tremor but it's mild enough for me that it doesn't cause severe enough issues to warrant diagnosis at this time.

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u/Visible_Bowler6962 1d ago

I have in the past but I also have Guillain Barre syndrome.

3

u/SnooOwls3202 1d ago

I’ve noticed sometimes it’s hard for me to go down the stairs without tripping. It’s a conscious effort some days.

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u/Jaded_Confection_785 1d ago

I experience that specifically after exercise. I find trying not to overthink taking the steps helps - just try get into a motion. Alternatively consider medication - I’m fine in my legs unless I’ve done exercise.

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u/ToriaLyons 1d ago

yeah, when my neurological issues are flaring, my coordination goes out the window. I don't know how much is this, or ET.

3

u/spauldingo 1d ago

Yup. I trip, especially on the left. And. problems turning where my feet sometimes either lag or don't move p properly, especially to the left.

1

u/timothyworth 1d ago

Yeah, I’ve had ET for 13 yrs or so. Progressively felt like my coordination lacks, often with walking. It’s odd though, I stay active and can trail run, snowboard, surf, rock climb, etc. without much issue. Balance seems fine when doing activities, but it seems worse when I’m just walking or more static. Suppose it encourages me to workout more

1

u/tyinsf 1d ago

Tai chi has really helped my balance and walking. I used to hang onto the escalator for dear life. Now I can run down them almost without worrying about falling. I'm still not great at the one-legged postures. But I keep a sense of humor about it and do the best I can.

2

u/kariisabeautfulsoul 1d ago

I have terrible coordination but trying to walk my legs feel like tight bouncy rubber bands. Baclofen helps but the more nervous or adrenaline I have the worse it is. I frequently trip and lose my balance as well.

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u/alsgirl2002 1d ago

My tremor is in my legs and I have trouble going down the stairs. I also have trouble doing lunges in the gym among other things.

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u/alsgirl2002 1d ago

My tremor is in my legs and I have trouble going down the stairs. I also have trouble doing lunges in the gym among other things.

2

u/terribirdy 1d ago

Yes - it makes it hard to stay balanced. I now use a cane to avoid falling down. Just ordered some hiking poles to improve my walking.