What should I do if I have difficulty moving?
ACS Answer
If you are having difficulty moving, you may have general weakness, problems with walking, and difficulty getting from one place to another. Spending a lot of time in bed will tend to cause muscles to weaken, and may contribute to your difficulty in moving around. The problem may also be caused by pain in the joints or legs, and the side effects of chemotherapy and radiation therapy.
If you are caring for a person with cancer, it is important to encourage movement and exercise as much as possible to prevent problems associated with immobility, such as poor or no appetite, constipation, skin sores, problems with breathing, stiff joints, and mental changes.
What to do (for patients)
- Try to do active or passive range-of-motion exercises as instructed by your nurse, doctor, or physical therapist (Active range-of-motion is the movement of a joint without any help from others; passive range-of-motion is the movement of a patient's joint by someone else.)
- Take pain medications, as ordered by your doctor.
- Drink as much liquid as your doctor advises.
- Keep a record of bowel movements.
- Turn and reposition yourself every two hours while in bed.
- Wear shoes when walking or standing.
- Use any braces, canes, walkers, or other supportive appliances prescribed by your doctor or nurse.
- Take short walks if you are able to.
- Sit up in a chair for meals and walk to the bathroom or commode if possible—even if you are bedridden.
- Have someone support you on your weakest side when walking, by putting one arm around your waist and the other in front of you.
- Lock the wheels on your bed or wheelchair to prevent slipping.
What to do (for the family)
- Keep your back straight and bend and lift from your knees and hips when lifting the person you are caring for.
- Stand as close to the patient as possible when lifting and keep your feet spread for a firm base and good balance.
- Pull the patient toward you when turning in bed.
Do not
- Exercise if it causes pain
- Walk without assistance if you feel weak
- Place pillows under your knees while you are in bed
- Wear slippery shoes or slippers
- Keep throw rugs on the floor where you will be walking
Call the doctor about any of the following symptoms
- Progressive weakness
- Headache, blurred vision, numbness, or tingling
- Change in mental status, such as confusion, disorientation, or increased sleepiness
- Increased pain
Related Resources
Find books that cover this and other cancer topics at the American Cancer Society bookstore.
Recommended Consultation
You should consider discussing this topic with your doctor or health care team.
