4. Muscle Spasms and Stiffness: The Unyielding Shackles
Muscle stiffness often manifests as one of the initial indicators of PPMS. To those unfamiliar with the condition, it might merely seem like a fleeting cramp.
However, it’s more akin to wearing invisible chains—restricting, unyielding, and persistent. Alongside this stiffness, muscle spasms come into play, which are sudden and involuntary muscle movements, a phenomenon that can be both painful and alarming for the patient.
The root cause, medically termed spasticity, largely influences the leg muscles. A significant reduction in efficient nerve signaling due to MS is the prime perpetrator.
Over time, the worsening of these symptoms can translate to a decreased range of motion and joint pain. Specific muscles or muscle groups may feel a tightening sensation or face the agony of prolonged cramps, both of which can be immensely daunting to the patient.
Beyond the physical distress, there’s an emotional and psychological tug. Imagine wanting to stretch, run, or even walk, but your muscles refuse, bound by an unseen force.
The emotional strain of not being in control, of feeling trapped within one’s body, can lead to feelings of frustration, helplessness, and depression. It isn’t merely about the pain but also about the loss of freedom, the small joys of life that get curtailed.(4)
