Walking and standing
Have you noticed that walking or standing is more difficult than it used to be? Perhaps you are experiencing pain in your feet, knees, hips or back. Or you may feel unsteady when you have to stand for longer periods. For example, in a shop, at work or whilst out and about. Walking and standing are normal parts of daily life, but they can have a significant impact if they become difficult. If walking or standing causes discomfort, you often make adjustments naturally. You go shorter distances, take the car more often, avoid crowded places or prefer to stay seated. This may help temporarily, but it can also lead to a decline in your fitness and confidence.
What do you notice?
Difficulty walking or standing can manifest itself in various ways.
You may, for example, notice that:
- you experience pain whilst walking or standing;
- your legs or feet feel heavy;
- you get tired more quickly;
- if you feel unsteady on uneven ground;
- you walk less far than you used to;
- you often have to sit;
- avoid activities that require you to stand for long periods;
- if you need a long time to recover after walking or standing;
- you are afraid of tripping or falling.
Sometimes you may find that you choose your daily activities based on the availability of benches, the distance involved or soft surfaces. This shows that walking and standing affect your freedom.
