Spasticity and Multiple Sclerosis

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If you live with multiple sclerosis, you may experience spasticity. It is one of the more common MS symptoms. Spasticity refers to feelings of stiffness and muscle spasms (sustained muscle contractions or sudden movements).Spasticity can range from tight muscles to painful, uncontrollable spasms. Although spasticity can occur in the arms, it is most common in the legs.

Types of Spasticity in MS

The 2 types of spasticity common in people living with MS are:

Flexor spasticity: In this type of spasticity, the muscles are so tight that your limbs bend and you have difficulty straightening them.
Extensor spasticity: With extensor spasticity, it’s the opposite case. Your muscles are so tight that your limbs remain straight and are difficult to bend.

To find out how to manage spasticity with MS, watch the video below. To learn more, watch the whole episode of Ask an MS Expert on How to Manage Spasticity While Living With MS.

If you have stiffness and muscle spasms due to MS, learn what you can do to alleviate these common symptoms.

What To Avoid If You Live With Spasticity

medications as well as physical and occupational therapy. Because spasticity varies so much from person to person, it must be treated on an individual basis. Work closely with your healthcare team to treat spasticity.Left untreated, spasticity can lead to serious complications, including contractures (frozen or immobilized joints) and pressure sores." c-nmssatomrichtext_nmssatomrichtext-host="">

Several things can trigger or aggravate spasticity, including:

Sudden movements or position changes
Extreme temperatures
Humidity
Infections
Tight clothing

Some degree of spasticity can be beneficial, particularly for people who experience significant leg weakness. In these cases, spasticity gives legs some rigidity, making it easier to stand, transfer or walk. The treatment goal for these individuals is to relieve the spasticity enough to ensure comfort and prevent complications while leaving the rigidity needed to function.

Manage Spasticity

Spasticity and muscle tightness are commonly treated with medications as well as physical and occupational therapy. Because spasticity varies so much from person to person, it must be treated on an individual basis. Work closely with your healthcare team to treat spasticity.Left untreated, spasticity can lead to serious complications, including contractures (frozen or immobilized joints) and pressure sores.

Several things can trigger or aggravate spasticity, including:

Sudden movements or position changes
Extreme temperatures
Humidity
Infections
Tight clothing