The following additional symptoms may occur

Spasticity limits the mobility of the affected muscles. In some patients, spasticity occurs only after prolonged exertion. Many are restricted in their ability to walk.

Spasticity is usually accompanied by muscle weakness. Furthermore, a painful feeling of tension or cramps in the muscles can occur. Over a longer period of time, muscle and tendon shortening can occur, which limits the mobility of the arms and legs.

Furthermore, signs of wear and tear can develop in the joints over years, as the spasticity leads to an incorrect load on the joints. The spastics themselves as well as the consequences that develop over years, such as joint damage, can cause severe pain. It can also lead to a so-called spastic bladder.

Here, centres of inflammation are located in the spinal cord in such a way that they affect the pathways of voluntary bladder control. Thus it can come already with small filling quantity of the blister to strong and urgent urge to urinate. The quality of life can be severely impaired by this.

Difficulties during sexual intercourse are also possible. Finally, spasticity is often accompanied by rapid fatigue. This is known as fatigue.

Spasticity treatment

An indispensable main pillar of treatment is physiotherapy and physiotherapy. There are a number of exercises that are used to treat spasticity and can then be done independently at home. Among other things, passive stretching of the arms and legs is important to maintain mobility and prevent muscle and tendon shortening.

At the same time, this relaxes the muscles and promotes blood circulation. Furthermore, postures can be trained which reduce muscle tension.Muscle mobilization techniques and cold therapy can also be used for this purpose. In addition to therapy, movement exercises in water or massages are also useful.

In addition, occupational therapists can help those affected to organise their everyday life as independently as possible despite limitations. Under certain circumstances, an orthosis, e.g. a knee brace, can make everyday life easier. Alternative healing methods can be used in addition, e.g. acupuncture or relaxation exercises. However, their effectiveness has not yet been scientifically proven. In rare, very severe cases, surgery is indicated to correct defective positions, lengthen tendons or secure joints.