Hip and knee pain in multiple sclerosis (MS) is a very common problem. Joint problems are usually due to nerve-related or muscle-related MS symptoms, rather than cartilage degeneration or joint inflammation, as seen in conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis or osteoarthritis.
What does MS nerve pain feel like?
The pain associated with multiple sclerosis is often a difficult symptom to define. Acute and chronic pain in different parts of the body are described as follows:
Pressure/squeezing/squeezing (around the torso) Numbness/tingling Hot/burning Sharp/stinging Dull/pain Crawling/itching Electric shock
cause
The neurological and musculoskeletal symptoms that characterize MS can indirectly contribute to joint pain and body pain. Causes include:
For example, when you experience a so-called MS hug (feeling pain and pressure somewhere in your torso), you may grasp your side with one hand. Walking around like this all day may cause pain in your knee and hip on one side.
Additionally, relying on a cane or walker can disrupt your gait and cause pain in your joints.
What is MS spasticity?
Spasticity refers to increased muscle tension or tone. The effects of MS can make these strengthened muscles unable to relax, resulting in painful spasms.
The effects of spasticity in MS vary from person to person and can range from mildly bothersome to debilitating. For example, some people with MS sometimes have difficulty climbing stairs, while others experience severe spasticity that affects their ability to walk.
Joint pain due to drugs
Joint pain is also a common side effect of interferon-based disease-modifying therapies, such as:
Interferon beta 1a (Rebif, Avonex)Interferon beta 1b (Extavia, betaseron)
Pay particular attention to whether your joint pain worsens within 24 to 48 hours after the injection and whether the pain is localized to your knees or hips rather than generalized.
Anti-seizure drugs, such as gabapentin (Neurontin) and pregabalin (Lyrica), are sometimes prescribed to treat neuropathic pain in MS, but they can also cause balance problems and reduce compensatory joint stress and It can lead to pain. Additionally, muscle relaxants used to treat muscle spasms (such as baclofen and tizanidine) can cause dizziness and balance problems.
diagnosis
Your health care provider will rule out other potential causes, such as osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, or injury, to conclude that your joint pain is caused by MS. Diagnostic tests include a physical exam and may include x-rays and blood tests.
Your health care provider may also evaluate your gait, balance, or degree of spasticity or muscle weakness to see how it affects your joints.
Does MS pain come and go?
Yes, MS pain can come and go in certain people. This is often associated with MS hag, which is a type of pain that can be felt throughout the torso or in specific areas. The pain caused by MS hugs varies from day to day, time of day, and person, and varies in severity.
process
Addressing the underlying cause of joint pain (such as spasticity or muscle weakness) will improve your gait and, as a result, reduce joint pain.
Another way to improve your gait and reduce the joint pain that comes with it is to engage in an exercise program that includes aerobic, resistance, and balance exercises. You might also consider starting yoga. There is some evidence that yoga can improve balance and functional strength, fatigue, and possibly muscle spasms.
Pain relievers, such as acetaminophen, or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, such as ibuprofen, temporarily relieve pain. Finally, shedding excess weight will reduce stress on your hips and knees.
A physical therapist should be able to assess your gait and prescribe exercises to strengthen the appropriate muscles. If you use a cane or other aid, your physical therapist will make sure it’s the right size and you’re using it correctly.
summary
Hip and knee pain in MS is a common problem. Joint problems are usually caused by nerve- or muscle-related symptoms of MS, rather than cartilage degeneration or joint inflammation. Some drugs cause balance problems that lead to compensatory joint stress and can also cause joint discomfort either directly (as a side effect) or indirectly.
Diagnosing MS joint pain requires a physical exam and tests to rule out other conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis. Treatment can take several forms, including medication, as well as dietary and lifestyle changes, and complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) therapies such as yoga and exercise.