Leg spasticity/stiffness

[TFB]

I have leg stiffness which my neuro calls spasticity. I spend most of my day in my PWC, but I do transfer to a chair or sofa and can use a walker for short distances. I'm currently taking four 20mg Baclofen and two 4mg Tizanidine daily, but my legs are still stiff. My neuro told me to increase to three tizanidine per day, but when I take a full one in the morning I can't keep my head up! I also have swelling in my ankles and feet which may contribute to the stiffness. I've been told to elevate my feet above my heart, but that's not feasible for more than an hour or so because I'm usually on the computer, eating, toileting, etc. During my last clinic visit my neuro said I'm already taking the maximum muscle relaxers. I read online that muscle relaxers should only be used for a short period of time, so me being on the maximum dosage forever kinda worries me. He mentioned a baclofen pump which is surgically implanted under the skin and delivers baclofen through a small tube into the spine targeted to a specific area. I'm pretty sure I don't want that. Does anyone have any suggestions to alleviate the stiffness and swelling? PT/stretching? Soaking feet in epsom salt? Supplements? Thanks

 

[ShiftKicker]

Oh boy, do I hear you about too much muscle relaxants. That does sound like a fair amount if it makes you sleepy and still doesn't provide enough relief.

PT and stretching would definitely help. Leg massage and range of motion would also. Do you have access to a hot tub or swimming pool? That can also be helpful for both relaxing tight muscles and reducing swelling. There are also massage boots to help provide better circulation and reduce swelling too.

With regards to a baclofen pump- some people have found a pump hugely helpful as it can provide a reduction in spasticity and allow for a bit more mobility. They do a trial first before implanting to see if you respond well to the intrathecal baclofen. It could be the relief from spasticity would be enough to consider getting the pump itself.

 

[annlee]

Wow! I don't know how you are awake for 5 minutes!! I have had this same issue. Tizanidine did nothing. I took 20 mg Baclofen 3 x daily, which made me too drowsy to function, and constant nausea. It gave only slight help with the spasticity. Finally stopped that after 9-12 months. At that point I was still walking with a rollator. PT and stretching exercises made a BIG difference for me. I did a routine of stretching exercises 4 x day. Took about 20 minutes each time. I did this immediately upon waking and before going to sleep, and 2 times during the day. I am now PWC dependent, but still do stretching 2 x day. It just feels so good. This includes back, arms legs. It's becoming a challenge with the legs because I have limited movement, but I've made adjustments and can still do legs somewhat. I never considered the pump. You might talk to your PT about new stretching routine. Good luck.

 

[IronLady]

Although no longer able to, I found using a floor pedal machine (with variable resistance) useful for reducing leg spasticity, I also took baclofen or tizanidine.