@Gmckinty 

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Gmckinty

Long walks & leg spasticity

This is probably going to sound quite basic but I wanted to understand how to handle my left leg spasticity better. I exercise a lot and squat/deadlift very heavy which I can handle no problem but I’m on a two month solo Australia trip at the moment and doing a significant amount of walking in the boiling heat which I know is a recipe for disaster for anyone with MS but I wanted to prove to myself that I could do it. I love a workaround so figured that strength/resistance training as well as regular walking would be all I need to do to improve my spasticity but I’ve been struggling with the long distance walking out here as my spasticity or stiff leg starts to play up after I fatigue. I rest which obviously helps but unless I sleep, I won’t be back to normal. I have also been drinking alcohol on a few occasions and have struggled with calf cramps and shin splints the following day which I assume is largely down to dehydration but it does feel more significant and MS related. I’m guessing that regular stretching (which I have somewhat started) is where I’m missing a key recovery step but I wanted to understand how effective this has been for other people from a general perspective as opposed to stretching just at the point that spasticity kicks in. I want to understand if it’s a preventative tool or more of a reactive tool but I’d imagine it’s both. Life story I know lol sorry! Can anyone offer any advice?
@styubud

I have a similar issue - can walk for about an hour but then I resemble John Wayne after a particularly traumatic gunfight. Doing lots of physio (weights, cycling, stretches, aerobics, yoga) and slightly improved recently. Following the OMS recovery programme and massively improved my nutrition. I'm interested to see what other people suggest here.

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@Kate13

Regular stretching is a preventative measure as it prevents contractures of the muscles. Would recommend these exercises from the MS Gym: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLRuP0hP-f1_CfKTrwNAaJHoX4udlpzXcy I also struggle with spasticity. I tried Baclofen to relax the muscles but had to stop after 1 week as it made me very sleepy. I find my spasticity is worse if I’m fatigued or stressed. (Also, just thought I’d share about MS Together which is a charity for young people aged 18-35 with MS in the UK). Hope you enjoy the rest of your trip Down Under!

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