MS Spasticity

  I've had MS for twenty years and have been in a wheelchair for three years.
  Lately I have this tremendous stiffening of my legs and it seems the tendons
  on the inside of my legs are shrinking and tightening, forcing my legs to
  press hard against each other until they ache. Can you explain why this is
  happening? Is it the MS or is it product of no longer walking? I know I can
  get medication for it, but would regular exercise alleviate this symptom?
Dear Cathy,
Spasticity refers to an increase in muscle tone due to central nervous system disease.  It is due to an increas in the stretch reflex. Consequently, if the muscle is slowly stretched, it may feel normal; however, if it is streches more rapidly, increasing amounts of resistence are found.  Spasticity is common in MS. Your present difficulty may be due to the spasticity and deconditioning (since you have been in a wheelchair for the last few years).  Fortunately, there are several medications that may improve spasticity. The meds include 1. benzodiazipine 2. Baclofen 3. Tizanidine. Discuss these meds with your doctor. In addition, some physical therapy and passive range of motion exercises may help. Good Luck.