Fear of going down steps

I have Developmental Co-ordination Disorder so have always been wary about going down unfamiliar stairs. Now I’m partially sighted and have had to start using a white stick. I’ve been surprised how much more stable a walking stick makes me feel and agree with the poster who said there are compensations. Bus drivers are especially helpful.

Mazgg I also have a fear of walking down steps where there is no handrail after several falls.
I must be a nightmare to be following down steps when I have been to concerts and sports venues but I am afraid that people will just have to wait !
It's not something that has happened over the last few years after the last fall - I fainted and fell down my home stairs when I had the flu as a teenager.

Thank you HolySox, I too have saved the website and will do the exercises.

HolySox thanks for the exercise link. I wear leggings and can no longer easily stand on one leg to put them on, will start them today.

Thank you all for your helpful replies. I will do the exercises in the hope of improving my balance.

I have noted that webpage HollySox thanks.

Is it simply your balance is getting poorer ... as well as eyesight? As we get older our muscles waste. However, this can be compensated by doing exercises. NHS suggest these:

www.nhs.uk/live-well/exercise/balance-exercises/

Seemed to remember a programme saying how doing these type of exercises is preventing a lot of falls in the elderly.

I had menieres disease years ago and needed a hip replacement the same time. It affected my balance and I avoid steep steps as they make me nervous escalators make me very nervous. I have to be behind my husband on stairs and take one step at a time. I have always been scared of heights as I age it's getting worse.

Heights have always been a bit of a problem for me and now I also hang on to the handrails whenever they are available. I’m also aware that my balance is not as good as it was. I don’t stress about it but remain wary.

I always hold on when coming downstairs, and don't wear glasses if I do. If no handrail I wouldnt feel safe to do it. My balance us very poor. Have fallen so many times but luckily I usually, but not always, bounce.

Since breaking my ankle in march i haven't been upstairs. going up is OK but scared coming down. Problem of balance.
But I've found I can manage a few down if I descend sideways, looking at the wall.
Somehow seeing the drop in front of me makes it harder to balance.

I have a minor problem with my eyesight which makes it difficult to go down stairs or steps. It’s difficult to see where they begin especially with poor lighting and patterned carpets or flooring. My optometrist has reassured me that this is normal. The only thing I can do is to take my time and hang on to the rail.

I manage to fall up and down the stairs,i am very cautious in public.
So you are not alone Mazgg.

I have a stick and am glad to use it. It really steadies me and I wouldn’t take my daily exercise so confidently without it.

I find people help me, when they see it ... cars stop to let me cross the road, people are patient if I’m a bit slower and in cafes and pubs, the staff bring the drinks to the table.
There are compensations. ?

I have to enter a swimming pool, twice a week, down steps without a handrail. I keep my pool shoes on for the first two steps then manage to sit on the side to get. I don't feel should have to be unnerved by this performance and I have complained to no avail. I now get dizzy spells from neck problems, so I am not too pleased when faced with steps without a handrail. Oh the joys of old age and the fond memories of running in high heels!

I hate going on a swing these days. Sad, when I watch the DGC swinging away and remember how we used to have such fun.

I am not quite so bad on stairs although I am very wary going downstairs, which, after all, is what this thread is about. I have to take off my varifocals though, as I don't trust what I'm seeing. Like most, I just hang on to anything I can.

I would recommend a stick, one of the ones with three prongs on the bottom to make you feel more supported if you know you are going somewhere with steps.

Hopefully you can start choosing cinema/theatre seats that won't involve too many steps? And use the lift at places with escalators?

I have vertigo and can't get on the train without assistance now, someone has to press the button for me and hold my arm as I step over 'the tap'.

Going down steps is only manageable if I can hold on to a rail, or a person, I haven't got a stick yet but think it's time.

I remember going to Italy with the school fifty years ago and running down the Spanish steps, those days are definitely over!

I used to just walk onto escalators but now I have to hover at the top for a minute till I feel I can go.
I don't like going down steep steps either.

A few months ago my knee gave way as I went down some steps and although I didn't fall it was a nasty few seconds. Since then I have taken to going down one step at a time like an old lady (which I am) I notice one of my friends is doing it too. I'm always careful because of my varifocals as well. Down escalators are becoming quite difficult too.

I have two Leki hiking sticks. Normally only use one but needed two in a steep pebbly beach over the weekend. Dodgy knee so being careful.

I think having a fall and losing confidence is quite normal, I hope you are ok as it's a horrible shock. I do agree with others though, use a stick or even a frame if it helps and well fitted shoes or trainers will help too.

I have one ankle pinned and plated and bil. knee replacements. I go downstairs sideways also using a walking stick. I may look odd but I feel safe. Try it at home first before you venture out. I have a stairlift at home so no problems there.

Yes, agree with Luckygirl about varifocals ..

Also beware going downstairs if you have varifocals.

those who feel consigned to old age by a walking stick, what about trying walking poles; that has a young outdoorsy vibe.