How can I manage my spasticity?

Question:
I was diagnosed with RRMS in November, 2014 (I've had it since 2007, but being an athlete kept the MS unknown until November 2014). Since my last exacerbation in January 2015, i have been having spasticity and very strong pain in both legs and feet. I even have to use a walker. I feel very good, but my legs are bothering me a lot. (I have gone to physical therapy a few times, but it gets bad again). Why does this happen? Is spasticity a normal symptom of MS? I also would like to know how does vitamin helps MS? I drink 100,000mg a week of vitamin D (prescribed by my doctor). Will I ever be able to do my exercises again?. Thank You!!!!

Answer:
In the upper right hand corner of this page (and of every page on the website) you will find a search box.  If you type in the topic you are interested in (such as spasticity, vitamins) you will find a wealth of information and many answers to similar questions asked by people with MS.

Spasticity is a common symptom of MS, and many things and several things will aggravate spasticity, acting as a “trigger” for spasms. These include: 

• Infections, particularly urinary tract or bladder infections
• Pain
• Sores or skin breakdown
• An increase in internal temperature (i.e. because of a fever or excessive exercise)
• A full bladder
• Binding, rubbing or otherwise irritating clothes
• Constipation
• Problems with posture
• Stress, worry or anxiety
• Extreme environmental temperatures particularly cold weather

In your case, I would start with reviewing our pages on spasticity http://www.healthcarejourney.com/spasticityspasmscramps.html which discusses ways to manage it, as well as all the various blogs that have been posted about spasticity http://www.healthcarejourney.com/apps/search?q=spasticity.  

Then I suggest you make sure that the physical therapist you are seeing has experience with multiple sclerosis. Here is a blog describing the benefits of having a physical therapist who specializes in MS and how to find one http://www.healthcarejourney.com/physical-therapy-blog/does-physicaloccupational-therapy-help-with-symptoms-from-ms  Working with a physical therapist who specializes in MS will maximize the likelihood of resuming your exercise routine.

In terms of vitamins, you can read all our blogs about vitamins here http://www.healthcarejourney.com/apps/search?q=vitamins

A. Scott Nielsen MD MMSc
Virginia Mason Multiple Sclerosis Center