One of the most common of MS-related symptoms is spasticity, which refers to feelings of muscle stiffness and the wide range of involuntary muscle spasms. It’s thought to affect about 80% of people with MS to some degree. Spasticity can range from mild spasms, or just tightness in the muscles, to painful, uncontrollable spasms, usually of the legs. Sudden movements, extreme temperature and humidity, infections and even tight clothing can trigger spasticity.1,2
It’s important to treat spasticity. Left untreated, this symptom can lead to complications, including immobilized joints and pressure sores. However, for some people with severe leg weakness, spasticity can be helpful, and provides some stability enabling walking or standing up. For these people, treatment must focus on relieving the spasticity without losing its benefits. Either way, it’s important to see a doctor.1,2
Symptoms and types of spasticity2
- Mild spasticity refers to involuntary feelings of stiffness or spasm, most frequently in the muscles involved in keeping us standing upright. But these spasms can also occur in the arms and the back
- Flexor spasticity affects mostly the hamstrings, which are the muscles on the back of the upper leg, and hip flexors, which are the muscles at the top of the upper thighs. Flexor spasticity tends to bend the hips and knees, leaving them difficult to straighten
- Extensor spasticity is an involuntary straightening of the leg. It involves the quadriceps and adductors, the muscles on the front and inside of the upper leg
Tips1
Your doctor may prescribe medications to help manage this symptom, so it’s important to bring this issue up at your next appointment.
- Find out your triggers. Common triggers include:
- Cold temperatures
- High humidity
- Tight clothing and shoes
- Constipation
- Poor posture
- Viral infections such as a cold or the flu
- Bacterial infection including skin sores or bladder infections
- Exercise. Talk to your doctor, physical therapist, or nurse about what exercise routine would be best for you
- Explore relaxation techniques. These include:
- Progressive muscle relaxation
- Yoga, meditation
- Deep-breathing exercises
- Get a massage. Massage can increase range of motion. You should not get a massage if you have pressure sores or if reddened areas of skin are present. Visit the Web site of the American Massage Therapy Association for names of qualified therapists: www.amtamassage.org/findamassage/locator.htm
Helpful links
National MS Society: Controlling spasticity
http://www.nationalmssociety.org/Brochures-Controlling%20Sp.asp
National MS Society: Taming stress in MS
http://www.nationalmssociety.org/Brochures-TamingStress1.asp
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