One symptom that becomes increasingly prominent as Multiple Sclerosis develops is the inability to move limbs freely, and at will. This is the result of motor disturbance, which results in a lack of muscular power and tone or tension. The term relating to movement is spasticity, which is defined as; the quality of moving or acting in spasms.
- Minor symptoms might include walking; legs seemingly become heavy and ‘cling’ to the ground, after long periods of walking; movements grow slower and can become more difficult to make at a rapid speed. Climbing stairs can become tiring.
- With major symptoms the legs grow increasingly stiff and weak, a leg may start to drag, and people can have problems balancing on uneven ground. Muscles tire prematurely. Weakness and stiffness (known as spasticity) may increase.
Spasticity
Spasticity is also influenced by external factors such as stress, atmospheric conditions and pain. In the case of advanced spasticity, rhythmic, involuntary jerking or twitching, especially of the feet occurs, often as a result of attempting simple movements, such as raising a heel.
In most cases the rhythmic jerks cease after a few attacks, although if incidents are major, they can only be stopped by changing position, for instance by placing the whole foot firmly on the ground. Some people also suffer from painful nocturnal leg cramps, or spasms.
