Husband in his 40s almost can't walk and we don't know why

[CeciliaMars]

My husband is in his late 40s and is almost unable to walk the dog anymore, can barely put his own socks on and is going to have to give up his manual job. He has pain in his back, hips and legs, but it's not the pain so much that's the problem as the weakness and the feeling that he's dragging one side of his body. He also feels 'out of line' so that he over-compensates on one side of his body as the other is weak.
He has had an MRI, scans on his back and hips - and nothing has explained these problems. He has seen so many osteopaths, chiropractors, physios etc, and although they can temporarily relieve some of his discomfort, there is no answer as to why this is happening. Husband is increasingly depressed about this and is talking about needing a wheelchair in later life.
He ran lots of marathons in his younger years, and I wonder whether he's just done damage that is deteriorating over time, but it's frustrating that this is affecting so much of our lives without any real explanation. Has anyone got any advice or been in a similar situation? Thanks so much for reading.

I would also ensure they check for Lymes disease. I've known 2 people wiry similar symptoms who had been bitten by ticks but were unaware.

I agree with neurologist and nerve conduction tests. My feet slowly turned to lead over 2-3 years and after many tests my diagnosis is idiopathic small nerve neuropathy (the nerve conduction tests were fine and there is no real test for the small ones). I have other chronic conditions but am reassured none of them is causing it although I have several slipped discs but no nerve impingement yay! I paid £180 and £260 for consultations and the nerve tests were more but can't remember (still in the hundreds) as I was insured then and they also paid for the MRI (also less than £1000). Worth it for peace of mind I think if you can afford it otherwise the wait will probably be long

I was going to suggest CFS (post viral) or fibromyalgia (trauma stored in the body breaks down healthy cells - autoimmune type condition) but they have already been suggested.

I thought of MS as soon as I read your post. I know he’s had an MRI - was this of just the head or the neck as well? MS lesions in the neck can cause leg problems.

Another possibility to consider, HNPP. It's a rare genetic condition which affects the nerves. May be worth adding to the list to take to the doctor

Charcot Marie Tooth?
Friend has this and has problems with his legs