signs of spasticity?

[MCBCON]

recently I have torn my calf muscle.  I noticed that it was happening a little for a while.  And that it seemed to happen weekly.  I know I should of stopped using it more than I did.  But, this weekend I pretty much tore it big time.  Lots of swelling and bruising.  Is this sort of thing a sign of spasticity starting to set in or is just that I need to start streching more. Both maybe?

[sllowe]

Hey, I truly don't know.

Normally I'd tend to think you'd have done something to contribute, but then again, with you having MS, maybe that is the contributor.  I'm still learning so much about spasticity and sorry I can't help.

I've heard that is very painful.  Hope you feel better.

-SL

[monotreme]

My husband has alot of spasticity of his calf muscles.  He has hypertonicity, where the calf muscles have become quite large.  Has this happened to you?  That is one sign of spasticity.

He does not get swelling and bruising.  That is probably a sign of a muscular or joint injury.  You may want to try some ice on it for 20 minutes, then off for 20 minutes.  Just be sure not to put ice directly on the skin.

I remember when you went to PT.  Did they do stretching exercises for your calves?  Are you on muscle relaxants?  Both those things can help with spasticity.

To prevent further muscle injury, stretching before activities can help.  Some of my husbands's tendons and muscles are already hard as rock and won't stretch, so I wish you well with it.  I know stretching frequently is very important.
I can identify with your discomfort.  My husband  is uncomfortable most of the time.

Elaine

[Heather3418]

I will bet you are in some horrendous pain.  Michael, what did you do to tear this muscle?  I have never heard of a spasm being so severe that it could cause a tear, but I suppose it could happen.

You have to rest that muscle Michael.  I'm not even sure that they will do any physical therapy on it, until it heals.

I sure hope this heals and quickly.  I feel for all your pain.  Please keep us updated on your progress.  And dern it...take care of your dern self, you hear?

Big Hugs,
Heather

[MCBCON]

Thanks,  the only real physical exercise activity I get is playing whiffle ball with my sons.  The muscle tear happened while playing whiffle ball.  The only thing I was doing is trying to run and get to the ball.

I guess what I am asking is does spasticity make one more susectible to muscle tears?

I have noticed my legs becoming heavier harder to move after walking a bit further than normal.  One time recently, I had to back into the car seat and then pull my legs up with my hands/arms to get into the car after doing a lot of walking.

BTW: the pain intially was strong untill I started icing it.  After that it is just the tenderness due to bruising.

[monotreme]

Yes, spasticity makes muscles more prone to being injured.  They are not able to stretch so will  tear more easily.

Muscle relaxants will help too.  

Elaine

[spastic]

Hey Michael, it sounds like you tore the muscle and I want you to be careful with that leg, it can turn to spasticity very quickly.  As Elaine said above, ice on and ice off and try not to overdo it but whatever you do, do not quit using it.  Be gentle with it, I use the
Rest
Ice
Compression
Elevation

quite a bit for my ankles, da** the arthritis anyway!!!  I still have the spasticity in my hip and I am not looking for it to ever go away but my sister is getting her pool set up so I will be able to do aqua therapy soon for it.  Gentle exercise my friend.  Gentle....

Love,

Ada