Hand foot and mouth and multiple sclerosis

[prez1385]

My wife has MS and recently contracted hand foot and mouth. How do they interact? What treatment should she seek?

[Lulu54]

I though of the disease foot and mouth,  but never thought about the hand part, even though I think I've written about it here, before.  Good catch, you guys.  I take back all my contracted  stuff, although that is also true .  :-)

[sllowe]

Hi Prez,

This is a virus. MS is a disease of the CNS. However, MSers, can have MS attacks when they get viruses or infection.

Also, if she is on an interferon, and has low blood counts, she can be more vulnerable for infection, and virus. But, HF&M is something anyone can get.

I hope she gets well soon.
-Shell

[JaneK1975]

Prez, are you referring to Hand-Foot-Mouth Disease?

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMH0001961/

If so, I do not know a lot about it, but I know it's a viral infection and many MS patients experience an increase in symptoms when their body is fighting infection. Make sure she stays well-hydrated and see a doc if her symptoms become unbearable.

Best,
Jane

[kwarendorf]

It looks like H, F & M disease is a virus. This means it has to run its course. I couldn't find any relationship between H, F & M disease and MS.

Kyle

[Lulu54]

Hi prez,

Can you give us a few more details as to what is going on with her?  The contractures with MS can vary from a wide set of causes.  The most common cause, at least it's my guess, might  be spasticity  that continues too long and causes this uneven lengthening of the muscles.  There are drugs that can be used to assist with the contractions.  They are also using Botox with success for releasing contracted muscles and you might look into that as well.

In addition to the drugs, you might look at various forms of therapy - physiotherapy and massage therapy  possibly have techniques you can learn to use at home to work some of those muscles.  

I'm sorry to know she has these problems.