It is hard to move when your muscles are stiff. It can happen to any part of your body, but it most affects your legs. It can be a range of things, from a little stiff to a total inability to stand or walk.

A minor case of spasticity can involve a feeling of tension. Severe spasticity can be very painful.

Sometimes spasticity involves uncontrollable muscle movements. A spasm is a sudden jerk in the muscles. A spasm can be caused by changing positions or sudden movements. Extreme temperatures can be.

Spasticity affects about 60 to 84 percent of people with multiple sclerosis (MS). For some, it’s an infrequent symptom that passes quickly. For others, it can be unpredictable and painful.

These are the two most common types of spasticity.

  • Flexor spasticity. This type affects the muscles on the back of your upper legs (hamstrings) or the top of your upper thighs (hip flexors). It’s an involuntary bending of the knees and hips toward your chest.
  • Extensor spasticity. This type involves the muscles on the front (quadriceps) and inside (adductors) of your upper legs. It keeps your knees and hips straight but pressed together — or even crossed — at your ankles.

You can have one or both types. They’re treated the same way. You can also experience spasticity in your arms, but it’s not as common in people with MS.

If spasticity is becoming a problem, you need to work with your doctor to create a treatment plan.

The goal is to relieve symptoms. Symptoms should help improve your motor skills.

Your doctor will probably suggest simple stretching and other supportive activities.

  • yoga
  • The muscles are progressive in relaxation.
  • meditation and other relaxation techniques
  • A massage.

Things can make symptoms worse. Identifying the triggering events in your treatment plan will help you avoid them. Some common causes are:

  • It was cold.
  • humid conditions
  • There are tight clothing or shoes.
  • Poor posture.
  • There are infections like a cold, bladder infections, skin sores, or the flu.
  • It is a problem of the colon.

Your doctor may refer you to other healthcare professionals.

Depending on the severity of your symptoms, you may also consider:

  • The medications reduce muscle strength.
  • Orthodontic devices help with positioning.
  • The nerve roots can be severed in surgery.

There are medications that can be used to treat spasticity. The goal of medication is to reduce muscle rigidity without making it harder to use them.

The doctor will probably start you off with a low dose. They can increase the dose gradually until you find a good one.

Two drugs are used to treat multiplesclerosis.

  • Baclofen (Lioresal). This oral muscle relaxant targets nerves in the spinal cord. Side effects may include drowsiness and muscle weakness. For more severe spasticity, it can be administered using a pump implanted in your back (intrathecal baclofen).
  • Tizanidine (Zanaflex). This oral medication can relax your muscles. Side effects may include dry mouth, muscle weakness, sleepiness, and lower blood pressure.

“There are other options if the medications don’t work. They can be effective, but there are some serious side effects.”

  • Diazepam (Valium). This treatment option is not preferred because it can be habit-forming and sedating.
  • Dantrolene (Ryanodex). It can cause liver damage and blood abnormalities.
  • Phenol. This nerve blocker can cause burning, tingling, or swelling. In rare cases, it can cause motor weakness and sensory loss.
  • Botulinum toxin (Botox). This is administered via intramuscular injection. Side effects may include injection site soreness and temporary weakening of the muscle.

There is interest in the use of medical cannabis to treat spasticity.

In a 2014 review, the American Academy of Neurology found strong evidence to support the use of cannabinoids to reduce pain in people with MS-related spasticity. Other, more recent research have supported this finding.

Discuss the medication option with your doctor.

It is important to include movement in your treatment plan regardless of whether you use medication or not.

If you plan to exercise on your own, it is a good idea to work with a physical therapist first. They can help you determine which exercises are most likely to help. They can show you how to do the exercises correctly.

If you have trouble dressing, you might want to consider working with an occupational therapist. They can teach you how to use devices that are not always visible.

“It is possible to keep your legs in the proper position with the help of an adaptive device. Before purchasing an orthotic device, talk to your doctor or physical therapist. If it doesn’t fit well or isn’t well made, spasticity can be worse and Pressure sores. can be caused.”

Some devices can help manage spasticity.

  • There are splints.
  • There are braces on.
  • canes.
  • walkers
  • wheelchairs
  • There are orthotic insoles.

These devices can help you maintain balance, support your weight, and minimize fatigue by making walking less taxing.

It is usually a last resort because surgery carries some risk. Spaticity can be treated with surgery to cut nerve roots. This is effective in treating spasticity, but it is irreversible.

If you are experiencing spasticity or occasional muscle spasms, you should bring it to your doctor or neurologist at your next visit.

If spasticity is causing you pain, you should consult with your doctor.

Severe spasticity can be caused by:

  • It is long and painful to have muscle tightness.
  • Pressure sores.
  • There are frozen and disabled joints.

Early treatment can help you prevent these problems.

A small amount of spasticity may be useful. If your leg muscles are weak, spasticity can help you walk. Your quality of life can be affected by spasticity.

spasticity can vary in degree and Frequency. It increases the likelihood of relief of pain and stiffness.

You can work with your doctor to make a treatment plan that works for you.