Maybe someone can help me understand some things about MS. I am having a problem with tightness in my calf muscles, feels like it may go into a cramp at any minute but it doesn't, it can last for a few hours or a day and then go away. The Nurse Practitioner did not think it was related to MS back in Dec. when I had this problem, but my low Vit D so I took Vit D and now I am at normal and the tightness is back. Any ideas?

Please fogive me,I'm still trying to figure out this website and how to use it. I keep trying to change my profile because I did not fill everything out and now it won't let me fix it. Oh well!:

That sounds like either a muscle spasm, or spasticity. Both of which I think could be associated with MS...but I think there can be other causes too.

Is the NP that you saw in an office that specializes in MS?

Kat, it's called spasticity - muscle spasms, cramping, stiffness and pain is all part of spasticity. There are different ways to deal with spasticity: Meds, heat, exercise and/or stretching.

Here is more information about spasticity:
http://www.nationalmssociety.org/abo...ity/index.aspx

I'm not sure if the NP specializes in MS, she seems to know alot but next time I think I will see the new woman doc who they say specializes in MS. The first Nero Doc I saw moved to SC, so when I went again I just saw the NP.

This has been a strange week for me. You just don't know what is MS and what is not. Its helpful to talk with people who understand. Thanks for replying.

If you like bananas, having a supply on hand is not such a bad thing. They seem to help with the muscle tightness a little.

I use a heating pad with temp control when it's bad enough. I just have to keep an eye on things to make sure I don't overheat myself.

Hope you feel better soon.

Looks like everyone gave you good advice.

I am on Baclofen for muscle spasms, but I also do stretching exercises and Yoga. Yesterday, on the advice of someone on this forum, I started taking Magnesium.

My spasms are for the most part controlled during the day with all of the above, but I get horrid ones in my right leg during the night. That's when I have to get up and walk around until they go away, then get back in bed and sleep until they come back again.

This MS is a wickedly strange disease, to say the least!

I've been taking Baclofen for my spasticity, too. Someone recommended Magnesium for relief. I haven't tried it yet but from what I've heard it works well!

It's hard not to blame MS for all the aches and pains we have.....and it's also hard to determine what is and what isn't "MS related" sometimes. I've started keeping a journal of all my sx (I keep it in a Word document on the computer) and just add to it daily. Then, when it's time to see the Neuro I can just print it out and take it with me. I don't have to try and remember everything....it's all in the printout!

hi kat, and welcome,

the advice you got was all good.
you're right tho that not all sx's are MS.

i would encourage you to see the dr.
and, you might want to keep a sx journal so you can track any new sx's with the date they happen, last etc. it might help the dr with your case.