What helps when your muscles are seized up?

restorativepose · 06-05-2012, 01:15 PM

Yesterday I "overwalked" at a school event for my son. I paid for it last night and today with seized up thigh muscles that hurt.

I've read other posts on MS about this happening, muscle pain and cramping after use. Do you simply take tylenol? Ice?

....A hot bath? <--

Kitty · 06-05-2012, 01:18 PM

I take Baclofen to help with this. This happens usually at night....I guess because I've used my legs all day......especially in my left leg. It's like the muscles flex and relax all on their own.

I just take one 10mg pill before I go to bed and that seems to be sufficient. I guess I will up the dose if it gets worse.

A hot bath would be wonderful except I cannot handle the heat.

restorativepose · 06-05-2012, 01:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kitty

A hot bath would be wonderful except I cannot handle the heat.

I think we're on the same page there. I always have to add a bunch of cold water in order to enjoy it.

A few months ago I was at a spa where they had these two plunge pools, hot vs cold. I think I was the only one who could stay peacefully in the cold pool, and just breath into it. It was wonderful. (the men went running out of there as fast as they could!)

NurseNancy · 06-05-2012, 03:24 PM

i have a lot of muscle pain.
besides medication what especially helps me is heat. on and off is the best.
too much for too long can dry muscles out.

Erika · 06-05-2012, 05:01 PM

A 20 minute soak in warm bath with 2-4 cups of Epsom salts (magnesium sulfate), sometimes with a bit of gentle stretching afterwards often helps for me. The magnesium is absorbed through the pores in the skin so it helps to relax the muscles. Watch out that the bath water isn't too hot though as sometimes the heat can make MS symptoms worse.

Hope that you feel better soon.

KittyLady · 06-05-2012, 05:42 PM

Im in the same boat as you. My thigh muscles are so tight, Im hurting alot. Ive taken 40 mg of baclofen so far and it hasnt touched it yet. Here's hoping we both find relief soon

Erin524 · 06-05-2012, 06:01 PM

I've been backing off on my baclofen lately. I tend to use small amounts of valium now. Not taking the valium every day tho.

I did too much at physical therapy yesterday, so I'm feeling the spasticity a bit more today than usual. I just took 1/4 of a 5mg valium to see if it helps me.

restorativepose · 06-05-2012, 06:07 PM

Thank you for the great suggestions! Since I am un-dx'd I don't have medication as an option. (will that change after tomorrow's neuro appt? we'll see).

In the meantime, a warm bath with epsom salts sounds really wonderful. I will try that tonight and stretch gently afterwards and see how that feels. The pain is always worst when I'm off my feet, esp laying down. Makes for some wakeful nights.

You guys are good friends

Erin524 · 06-05-2012, 07:34 PM

even if you're undiagnosed, they should still be able to give you something to help with your symptoms.

Kitty · 06-05-2012, 07:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by restorativepose

Thank you for the great suggestions! Since I am un-dx'd I don't have medication as an option. (will that change after tomorrow's neuro appt? we'll see).

I'd ask about things that could relieve your pain. Let the Neuro know you've been researching various meds. I wish I had done that before I saw my Neuro for the first time. Wish I had been more assertive and let him know that I wanted to be informed and involved in my health care......not a "silent" partner.

Good luck tomorrow. Let us know how your appointment goes.