Multiple Sclerosis (MS)

Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a progressive neurological condition that affects the function of the brain and the spinal cord. MS is the most common neurological condition seen in younger adults affecting females more than males. MS can cause a range of different symptoms and its onset can vary. Liverpool Orthotics provide a range of orthotic solutions to tackle the symptoms of MS at any stage to enable the best possible quality of life.

What causes Multiple Sclerosis?

MS is caused by an autoimmune response. This is when the body's natural defence system, which normally fights off infections, mistakenly attacks the myelin sheath. Myelin sheath is a conductive substance that wraps around nerves to allow for the smooth passing of signals. When the myelin sheath is attacked it leaves permanent scarring on the nerves which disrupts the flow of nerve signals causing a range of problematic symptoms.

What are the common symptoms of Multiple Sclerosis?

The symptoms of Multiple Sclerosis depend on the areas of the nervous system that have been damaged. The symptoms can come on gradually for no known reason, or they can sometimes correlate with another infection or a traumatic injury. The initial signs of MS are:

MS is a progressive condition which means over time the symptoms become worse. The speed that the condition progresses varies from person to person. The developing symptoms are;

It is common for individuals who have MS to suffer from a sudden unexpected relapses. A relapse is when symptoms become worse over a short period of time. A relapse is often followed by an improvement in symptoms called a remission, however some symptoms may remain worse.

What treatment options do Liverpool Orthotics provide for Multiple Sclerosis?

Drop foot splints - a drop foot is a common symptom of MS. A drop foot is a weakness in the muscle which normally lifts the foot up when walking. Drop foot often causes trips, falls and can reduce mobility. Liverpool Orthotics provide a range of custom made and off the shelf orthotic devices that assist the weak muscles to enable foot clearance. These devices can be made from thermoplastic, carbon fibre, silicon, Lycra or synthetic materials.

AFO (Ankle Foot Orthosis) - AFO’s can be custom made or ‘off the shelf’ devices that are specifically designed to offer support and stability to the foot and ankle joints. They can be used to enable more confidence when mobilising, or can reduce deformity caused by muscle weakness or spasticity.

Knee supports - MS can cause weakness to the muscles acting around the knee joint. This can often reduce an individual's confidence when walking. Liverpool Orthotics provide knee braces to offer support to weak knee muscles to enable mobility.

Hyperextension knee brace - Hyperextension at the knee is when the knee joint bends ‘backwards’ in the opposite direction. This is often caused by knee muscle weakness and spasticity. Knee hyperextension can cause balance issues, pain and long term damage to the knee. Liverpool Orthotic provides knee support specifically designed to prevent hyperextension while offering support and stability to the knee.

Neck brace - Neck weakness is a common symptom of MS. Neck weakness can result in a poor head position making everyday tasks such as eating, drinking and cleaning teeth a challenge. Liverpool Orthotics provide a range of comfortable neck supports to suit neck weakness at any stage.

Spinal supports - MS can cause weakness to the muscles that support the spine. Over time this can cause poor posture or back pain. A well fitted spinal support can help reduce painful symptoms, prevent deformities and improve the body's overall posture. Back supports are particularly helpful during times of significant fatigue or relapse.

Stretching devices - Tight muscles or muscles affected by spasticity, often require splints that can provide a prolonged stretch. This stretch can prevent joint deformity, enable function and reduce painful symptoms. These splints can be off the shelf or custom made to provide a dynamic (spring loaded) or static stretch.

Insoles - Deformities to the foot and ankle is a common symptom of MS. Custom made orthotic insoles can be made to offer support, reduce pain and deformity. Our orthotics can fit inside an individual's own commercial footwear and can be easily transferred from shoe to shoe.

Wrist support - Support to the wrist can enable hand function, reduce pain, reduce deformity, control muscle spasticity and increase independence. Wrist supports can be designed to be worn during the day, at night or for certain activities such as eating a meal.

Lycra (tremor management) - Lycra garments can be worn on the arms to help reduce tremors and enable greater hand function.

Spasticity management - Liverpool Orthotics provide a spasticity management service. This includes an assessment for botox injections, serial casting plus a range of muscle stretching devices for any limb affected by muscle spasticity.

What is the process to organising an appointment?

Liverpool Orthotics provides comprehensive orthotic assessments at home, work or at one of our accessible clinics. Our HCPC and BAPO registered orthotists have vast experience working with MS patients so understand the common issues associated as the condition progresses.

To arrange an appointment call Liverpool Orthotics now on 0330 088 3949, or email us at office@liverpool-orthotics.co.uk