What illness causes difficulty in walking or inability to take steps?
May 16, 2023
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Yang Shuwen
Introduction
Difficulty in walking may be caused by a decrease in the level of ionized calcium in the blood, leading to symptoms such as numbness, spasms, pain, and difficulty walking. Degenerative changes in the intervertebral discs of the cervical spine can affect surrounding nerves and structures, resulting in compression of local sympathetic nerves or nerve roots. Neurodegenerative changes can cause rigidity or stiffness in the limbs, accompanied by slow movements or balance disorders.
In general, difficulty in walking or taking steps may be caused by conditions such as hypokalemia, cervical spondylosis, Parkinson's disease, and others. A detailed analysis is as follows:
1. Hypokalemia
If calcium absorption in the body is insufficient or thyroid hormone secretion is reduced, the level of ionized calcium in the blood may decrease, leading to symptoms such as numbness, muscle spasms, pain, and difficulty walking. In such cases, medications such as calcium gluconate injection, vitamin D drops, or calcium chloride injection may be used to supplement calcium.
2. Cervical Spondylosis
Due to factors such as aging and genetics, degenerative changes may occur in the intervertebral discs of the cervical spine, affecting surrounding nerves and structures. This can compress local sympathetic nerves or nerve roots, resulting in leg numbness and weakness. Under medical guidance, neurotrophic drugs such as mecobalamin tablets or vitamin B1 tablets may be used for improvement, along with treatments like traction or heat therapy.
3. Parkinson’s Disease
In patients with Parkinson’s disease, degenerative changes in the nervous system can lead to muscle rigidity or stiffness in the limbs, accompanied by bradykinesia (slowness of movement) or balance disorders. Medications such as carbidopa tablets or selegiline hydrochloride tablets may be prescribed to enhance dopamine function.
Besides the common causes mentioned above, lumbar disc herniation, hydrocephalus, or hyperlipidemia may also be possible causes. It is recommended to visit a hospital for appropriate diagnostic evaluations.
