Is it possible that shin splints and foot cramps were an early symptom of my MS?

Here is My Question:
I have always suffered from shin splints - sometimes just from walking quickly, but definitely when running, so I just don't run for exercise. These splints make it difficult to lift the fronts of my feet until the pain passes. I have also often got cramps in my feet if I am in a certain position and they come on FAST. I was recently diagnosed with benign MS after suffering temporary (months long) blindness in half of my field of vision (both eyes) that began 18 months ago.

MRI's at the beginning of this detected two optic lesions, no spinal lesions. A few months ago, I had another MRI and two new lesions in different spots, had appeared. Is it possible that the shin splints and foot cramps were an early symptom of MS? I find it hard to believe that I ( a 57 year old woman) have had MS and didn't know it - especially given that MS symptoms usually start well before middle age. Perhaps these were early symptoms that I never investigated? Thank you.

Answer:
Chronic neuroinflammatory and degenerative conditions generally emerge over 3 phases:

1. A prodromal phase during which vague, potentially neurologic symptoms emerge. These symptoms can include bouts of fatigue, intermittent abnormal sensations, odd fleeting pains, muscle spasms or cramps and subtle alterations of cognitive function, to name just a few. Studies in people who experienced optic neuritis suggested years ago that a history of prior "vague neurological symptoms" was a risk factor for the subsequent development of MS (Remember, less than 50 % of people with optic neuritis develop MS). The problem is that these "vague neurological symptoms" are not specific for any particular disorder and often do not justify an extensive evaluation for cause.
2. An asymptomatic (or relatively asymptomatic) phase of the disease. This would apply to people with radiologically isolated demyelinating syndromes or clinically isolated syndromes . In fact, with current changes in diagnostic criteria this phase may even apply to some early relapsing MS cases
3. Full emergence of the disease as demonstrated by ongoing disease activity or worsening 

Whenever we think in terms of these phases of MS disease process it is important to understand that there is significant overlap. These classifications help us understand the biology of the disease for research purposes and how to identify and intervene therapeutically as soon as possible.

Revere P (Rip) Kinkel, MDProfessor of Neurosciences
Director of the Multiple Sclerosis Program
University of California San Diego​
#multiplesclerosis #MS #shinsplints