spasming in my legs

[doet]

Hi, I have RR MS, and for the last several months I've been struggling with spasming in my legs.  The only (usually) reliable remedy I've found has been to walk.  This happens as much as 9 times a night, wreaking havoc on my sleep cycle.  Does anyone have any ideas on how to stop or treat this?  I have increased my magnesium intake, my vitamin B intake, and ensure that I'm drinking at least 64 oz liquids, all without any effect.  Stretching, at least in the evening absolutely does not work, as my legs spasm like crazy after stretching. I haven't been able to get back to doing yoga, as my legs would spasm so badly I wasn't even able to control it with walking.  My neurology team has given me a prescription for clonazepam, to which the patient can develop both a tolerance for and an addiction to.  It also makes me very groggy, and is a treatment for the symptom of not being able to sleep and has little or no effect on the spasming at all.  Any suggestions will me much appreciated.
doet

[essdipity]

I can't imagine why your doctor has given you Klonopin (Clonazepam) when there are other anti-spasmodic meds that work well but are not potentially addicting. Benzodiazepines should be used only short term, if at all. I suggest you look into Baclofen or Zanaflex, both of which are commonly prescribed for spasticity. You may need to experiment with dosages to get an effective result that does not cause grogginess, which indicates too much med.

I hope your neuro team are MS specialists, but it doesn't sound like it. There is no reason to suffer as you do, with only an ineffective and possibly harmful benzo given as relief, when there are better things out there.

ess

[saucygrl]

I found that acupuncture works well with nerve pain and spasms.  Sometimes it takes a few treatments, but I do get lots of relief.

Good luck!
Chris

[supermum_ms]

Hi doet and welcome to our little MS community,

If Clonaxepam is the only medication you've tried, i would definitely consider trialling the alternatives, sometimes it can take a few tries before you find that works best for you. It also would probably be a good idea to see a physiotherapist to get your exercise and stretching routine tailored to your specific needs.  

This is one of the most informative articles on MS spasms and stiffness that i've found to date, definitely worth reading to get ideas....

http://www.mssociety.org.uk/what-is-ms/signs-and-symptoms/spasms-and-stiffness/treatment-and-management

Cheers..........JJ