Multiple Sclerosis
Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is an auto immune condition in which there is an abnormal immune response against the central nervous system (CNS). The immune system causes inflammation which damages the nerve fibres resulting in scar tissue which gives the condition its name – Sclerosis.
Unfortunately the exact cause of MS is not known however there are multiple treatments which can modify the disease process [1] as well as physical interventions directed at symptoms and disability.
Unfortunately the exact cause of MS is not known however there are multiple treatments which can modify the disease process [1] as well as physical interventions directed at symptoms and disability.
Symptoms
Walking Difficulties[2]Fatigue
Squeezing sensation around the torso
Spasticity
Numbness or tingling of face, body or extremities
Vision problems
Bowel and Bladder Problems
Weakness
Vertigo and Dizziness
Pain and Itching
Treatments
The treatment of MS is interdisciplinary with multiple clinicians involved and is often aimed at the symptoms that the person is experiencing.One pharmaceutical branch of drugs attempt to modify the disease course, these are aimed at delaying the progression of the disease and limit new disease activity.
At Balanced we focus on the treatment of walking difficulties and weakness. It has been shown that physical activity is an important aspect in the treatment of mobility issues[3]. Pilates has been showing to help improve the balance, mobility and both upper and lower limb strength[4].
Timely orthotic intervention is also important as once gait deviations are established the orthotic treatments can become limited.
Devices such as insoles, ankle braces, Ankle Foot Orthoses (Splints) and Knee ankle foot orthoses are often used to treat gait deviations in people with MS[5].
References
[1] I. Loma and Ro. Heyman, “Multiple sclerosis: pathogenesis and Treatment,” Curr. Neuropharmacol., vol. 9, pp. 409–416, 2011, doi: 10.1007/s001090050100.[2] J. J. Sosnoff et al., “Mobility, balance and falls in persons with multiple sclerosis,” PLoS One, vol. 6, no. 11, pp. 2–6, 2011, doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0028021.
[3] A. Manca et al., “Resistance Training for Muscle Weakness in Multiple Sclerosis: Direct Versus Contralateral Approach in Individuals With Ankle Dorsiflexors’ Disparity in Strength,” Arch. Phys. Med. Rehabil., vol. 98, no. 7, pp. 1348-1356.e1, 2017, doi: 10.1016/j.apmr.2017.02.019.
[4] A. Guclu-Gunduz, S. Citaker, C. Irkec, B. Nazliel, and H. Z. Batur-Caglayan, “The effects of pilates on balance, mobility and strength in patients with multiple sclerosis,” NeuroRehabilitation, vol. 34, no. 2, pp. 337–342, 2014, doi: 10.3233/NRE-130957.
[5] L. (Miller) Renfrew et al., “A comparison of the initial orthotic effects of functional electrical stimulation and ankle-foot orthoses on the speed and oxygen cost of gait in multiple sclerosis,” J. Rehabil. Assist. Technol. Eng., vol. 5, p. 205566831875507, 2018, doi: 10.1177/2055668318755071.
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