There are several ways to address muscle weakness in multiple sclerosis (MS):
Physical therapy: A physical therapist can design a customized exercise program to improve strength, flexibility, balance, and coordination. They may also use techniques such as electrical stimulation to help activate weakened muscles.
Medications: Certain medications, such as corticosteroids and immunosuppressants, may help reduce inflammation and slow down the progression of MS, which can help preserve muscle function.
Assistive devices: Assistive devices such as canes, crutches, or braces can help support weak or unstable muscles and improve mobility.
Adaptive strategies: Individuals with MS may need to make changes to their daily activities or environment to conserve energy and reduce the risk of falls. For example, using a shower bench, handrails, or a raised toilet seat can make daily activities easier and safer.
Exercise: Regular exercise, including strength training and aerobic exercise, can help improve muscle strength, endurance, and overall physical function.
It is important to work closely with a healthcare team, including a neurologist, physical therapist, and occupational therapist, to develop a comprehensive treatment plan that addresses muscle weakness and other symptoms of MS.
Motl RW, Sandroff BM. Benefits of exercise training in multiple sclerosis. Curr Neurol Neurosci Rep. 2015;15(9):62. doi: 10.1007/s11910-015-0585-5.
Latimer-Cheung AE, Pilutti LA, Hicks AL, et al. Effects of exercise training on fitness, mobility, fatigue, and health-related quality of life among adults with multiple sclerosis: a systematic review to inform guideline development. Arch Phys Med Rehabil. 2013;94(9):1800-1828.e3. doi: 10.1016/j.apmr.2013.04.020.
Wens I, Dalgas U, Vandenabeele F, Grevendonk L, Verboven K, Hansen D. Exercise interventions to reduce muscle impairments in people with multiple sclerosis: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Mult Scler Relat Disord. 2019;27:13-25. doi: 10.1016/j.msard.2018.10.001.
Dalgas U, Stenager E, Ingemann-Hansen T. Multiple sclerosis and physical exercise: recommendations for the application of resistance-, endurance- and combined training. Mult Scler. 2008;14(1):35-53. doi: 10.1177/1352458507084415.
Kalron A, Bar-Sela S. A systematic review of patient-reported outcome measures used to assess fatigue in multiple sclerosis. J Neurol Sci. 2016;362:134-139. doi: 10.1016/j.jns.2016.01.003.
Wens I, Hansen D, Verboven K, et al. The effectiveness of exercise interventions for the management of spasticity in people with multiple sclerosis: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Arch Phys Med Rehabil. 2020;101(10):1825-1840. doi: 10.1016/j.apmr.2020.05.012.
Khan F, Amatya B, Galea M. Management of spasticity in multiple sclerosis: neurorehabilitation and pharmacotherapy. Clin Neurol Neurosurg. 2010;112(7):647-655. doi: 10.1016/j.clineuro.2010.04.006.
Marrie RA, Hanwell H. General health issues in multiple sclerosis: comorbidities, secondary conditions, and health behaviors. Continuum (Minneap Minn). 2013;19(4 Multiple Sclerosis):1046-1057. doi: 10.1212/01.CON.0000433283.96538.0b.
Wajda DA, Motl RW, Sosnoff JJ. Three-month test-retest reliability of ankle dorsiflexion range of motion in multiple sclerosis: a pilot study. Int J MS Care. 2015;17(2):68-73. doi: 10.7224/1537-2073.2013-030.
Larocca NG. Impact of walking impairment in multiple sclerosis: perspectives of patients and care partners. Patient. 2011;4(3):189-201. doi: 10.2165/11591780-000000000-00000.
Comments