Most patients with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) experience symptoms in their legs at some point in the course of their disease. One explanation is the presence of lesions (stripping of the nerve cells) in their spinal cord during a flare for patients with relapsing remitting disease or with gradual worsening in patients with progressive MS. Other causes include atrophy (shrinkage)of muscles from lack of use, MS-related fatigue, and MS activity in the brain.
Leg symptoms do not always fit the description of weakness. Some people describe their legs to be like jelly or noodles, some as a buckling of one or both legs, and others as a sensation of heaviness like cement.
All MS symptoms can be worsened in extreme heat or cold and are often worse at night and in periods of increased stress.
It is important to address these leg symptoms as they can lead to difficulty walking, increased risk of falls, and increased disability due to the ramifications of inactivity, such as obesity and worsened cardiovascular health. Leg symptoms impact quality of life, leading to missed social and vocational opportunities, loneliness and depression.
As with other symptoms of MS, patients need to work with their clinicians to make sure their symptoms are due to the ailments that can affect anyone, like vitamin deficiency, a herniated disc, peripheral neuropathy, neuromuscular disease, like ALS, or fatigue due to a sleep disorder or thyroid disease. It is of great importance to treat conditions other than MS that can contribute to your overall health.
The best ways to manage these symptoms varies by what causes them. Leg weakness due to a flare won’t respond to exercise (steroids or other medications are most helpful) while weakness due to inactivity will. Physical therapy is often helpful, as are assistive walking devices (such as a cane or walker) to reduce falls while ramping up ambulation. Many MS patients will find that using assistive devices will strengthen their legs over time allowing them to eventually walk independently or will allow their legs to rest so that they are able to make it to that party or that show later in the day.
BeCare MS app can help you monitor your walking and your balance to help you monitor your improvement from the different ways you address your leg weakness. Be empowered to make the most of your days.