5 replies to this topic

[Cathelena]

Does anyone have any tips or advice to ease stiff legs. Used to just be first thing in the morning, but now lasting all day. I make sure I do plenty of stretches, but doesbt seem to be helping. Any advice would really be appreciated

Cathelena

[M Tustain]

Do you stand much? Passive cycling? Medication increase?

[Cathelena]

 M Tustain, on 27 July 2011 - 08:12 PM, said:

Do you stand much? Passive cycling? Medication increase?

Have a standing frame on order. Should be here in next couple weeks. Hope it helps. Thanks

Cathelena

[Ryden Les]

Hi

I'm a newbe, and maybe I shouldn't even answer due to the difference in our conditions.....but when I get up in the morning my legs are so stiff I must stand using crutches for several minutes before any movement is tolorated. Then I can walk for 3 to 5 minutes using the crutches and the stiffness wil slowly ease. Sometimes after this I can walk short jaunts 20-40 feet fairly well. Other times I walk like Frankenstien for a while. And the stiffer my legs the worse my balance. I can walk 3-4 hours before the pain will put me in the chair for the rest of the day. The key seems to be lots of rubbing and straightening of the legs prior to standing to ease my stiffness. In my chair I must move my legs to different positions quite often or stiffness sets in fast. Even during walking time, if I sit for a while my legs must be moved or stiffening starts. I need to use the legs to ease the stiffness but then that movement will come back and haunt me, as at the end of my walking, just sitting for a monment will bring on the stiffness again but with great pain. Hot packs let the legs not spasm so badly during the stiffness, but don't seem to help the stiffening or pain. Rubbing seems to help the most, sometimes I even use a rolling pin to help loosen them up. Anyway hope this helps a little. Good luck !!!

Take Care
Les

[M Tustain]

Yeah that is the key, stretching and movement at every opportunity will definitely decrease the tightness. If you can't mobilise on crutches then just standing in your farme everyday will help.

[Cathelena]

Thanks both, Have no movement or sensation at all unfortunately, so will try the standing frame as much as can when it arrives.

Thanks again,

Cathelena