suggestions please

[piglet3]

Hello dear friends. I wonder if anyone could advise me on how to alleviate stiff limbs. By this I specifically mean back of the legs. The stiffness occurs after long periods of standing still ie when doing the dishes or ironing. I can walk for miles without so much as a twinge but as soon as I am still my legs become stiff. Many thanks in anticipation.

[berryd0]

Hi,

I also have the same problem & am trying to work it out myself - also after sitting down I have the stiffness in my legs which really affects my walking, I have asked my specialist if she could give me a relaxant but unfortunately she wont.

regards Dave

[DesRay57]

Hi By describing stiffness do you mean cramp, I have bad cramp when still ie sitting or standing, the only remedy for me is exercise ie walking and painkillers help a little.

[piglet3 in reply to DesRay57]

no it's not cramp as such just real stiffness as if it's difficult to bend my legs after standing for a while. When I'm sat down it's gone.

[Trinity48]

I also get this ,any advice would beappreciated.I suppose we are remaining

in the same position for too long?

[Brommie]

I wish that I could walk even a mile, much more fun than ironing !! I take a magnesium supplement that seems to help stiffness or possibly a few gentle stretching exercises might help.

[PeteW]

Try essential amino acids, raw eggs and bananas.... individually for a month to guage the impact. If the desired effect has not been reached after the three months, try all three of them together for a month.

[PeteW]

Forgot to mention L'Glutamine is worth a go too

[piglet3 in reply to PeteW]

thanks very much

[isabelalfaiate]

I also take magnesium and it helps, but staying in the same position (standing, sitting) does seem to lock the muscles in that position - so I change position every now and then. I use a mini bike and pedal a little. I have been given muscle relaxants, but I did not feel good and I could not even stand up, just lying down. I will never take a muscle relaxants again as it relaxed all my muscles. Before standing up from a chair, I stretch and it also helps.

best wishes

Isabel

[piglet3 in reply to isabelalfaiate]

thanks for your advice. Will definitely give magnesium a go.

[Vert]

I get the same, diagnosed with HSP7 a genetic condition my consultant prescribes Baclophen 10m ( twice daily ) it's a muscle relaxant and seems to work.

[FFNick]

Yes Baclofen relaxes your muscles, It is an equivalent of quinine. Which is found in a drink. You would have to drink a lot for it to work, So pill form is easier.

Before standing I flex my legs with exercises learnt at AGEUK session.

[Litty]

Oh this happens a lot. Baclofen did not agree with me x

[Veteran250 in reply to Litty]

I get stiff knees when sat for a long time and pain in my lower back when washing up at the sink( my only chore).

I recently purchased an electric massager, one lead for indoors and one lead for incar use.

You can move it around your body by having a sling arrangemeny to hold it in plage and the massager moves on its own.... I dont know how to post the link on here.... Sorry.....Happy New Year Folks.

Don. 😀

[EmWakie]

I’m forever stretching my legs n circling my feet when I’m stood in 1 position. If I keep still they stiffen up x

[stedman]

I walk slowly, using a stick and my Wife holding my free arm whenever we go out. At breakfast sitting in an upright chair at the table, when I get up I hold onto things until my legs work. I have a recliner for lounging, Tv, and Computer work. Keep the legs warm with wrap. It's easier to get up and walk with or withoit the stick.

Bedtime: Tuck pyjama bottoms into bedsocks and use an electric blanket to pre-heat the bed. I find it better to wear more covers in bed rather than more covers on the bed! No stiffness or cramp when I get up. Leg and ankle excercises are benficial as is a time on an excercise bike to work all of the muscles.

The bigger problem is in the head where Ataxia resides.