Failing mobility (‘gone off his feet’ syndrome)

Abstract

Failing mobility is a very common problem that the family physician meets in the elderly. There are many reasons for loss of mobility and some of these are discussed in the chapter on ‘Fits, Faints and Falls’. The majority of the causes of loss of mobility are due to interference with locomotor function, whether this is a result of musculoskeletal disorder or some neurological impairment. Strokes are an obvious cause of failing mobility and are discussed separately in Chapter 5. In addition to specific diseases interfering with locomotor function, it must be remembered that any illness in the elderly may lead to immobility and that even after the acute illness has been treated successfully the patient may not regain his physical independence. This may be due to lack of drive or loss of confidence, or simply stiffness or ‘rustiness’ of joints. Thus immobilization should be avoided in the elderly, even during serious illnesses. Rehabilitation should be instituted as soon as possible when patients have ‘gone off their feet’.