Arm weakness

[maggsataxia]

I have cerebrellar ataxia for the past 20 years but recently I am experiencing pain and weakness in my upper arms has anyone else experienced this , would be great full for some feedback.

[wobblybee]

😕 My problems go way back too, and as well as my legs, I’m noticing lack of strength in my arms. I have difficulty using my vacuum cleaner on carpet now, although on hard floors I’m ok.

[maggsataxia in reply to wobblybee]

Have you problems putting your hands above your head, ??

[wobblybee in reply to maggsataxia]

No, I can do that. But when I do it, I can feel the muscle ‘clicking/pulling’ in my upper right arm. This has been happening for a while now, and something I associate with age (I’m touching 70), and weak muscles linked to ataxia.

But it would probably give you peace of mind to discuss this with your GP, we’re told not to associate every symptom with ataxia 🙂

[Grapes12]

I'm having problems with the strength in my arms and severe pain when I push through my shoulders :(. No idea why. I also struggle to lift both arms above my head and need assistance of right hand to lift my left one otherwise it just falls down.

[maggsataxia in reply to Grapes12]

Thank you for replying

[Amynah]

Hi, talk to your physiotherapist, I too had same problem, she gave me simple exercises which work well. I have no more clicks when I lift my arms. Good luck.

[maggsataxia in reply to Amynah]

Thank you for returning

[nigelrheath]

When standing up or moving seems fraught with danger there’s every reason to stay still. Unfortunately this leads to a loss of muscle tone and subsequent weakness and pain.

The answer is gentle exercise, seated if need be. Age concern is a good source for these, and there are many more freely available online.

Only do what you can manage safely and do very little to begin with. That way you can be encouraged by progress. It’s a good point to separate growing older pains from symptoms of ataxia and seek medical help if you’re not sure.

Little each day is the best way.

During lockdown I was prevented from going to my local gym and became more wobbly, needing sometimes to use a walker for safety. Glad to say am now back to gym and feeling the strength returning. Wobbliness is directly due to ataxia, muscle tone and strength due to exercise or lack of it.

Nigel

[maggsataxia in reply to nigelrheath]

Thank you for your reply I think bout right that Its probably muscle weàkness so I will take out my electric wheelchair and take up to cleàning windows Lol Glad to hear your still able to use the gym, keep up the good work

[peakerhome in reply to nigelrheath]

Don’t go to gyms, can’t get out alone now, but think exercise is important for muscle strength so walk outside with my rollator and friend/family when I can. Simple Pilates via YouTube, and sit down exercise good too, though motivation if not in a group can be an issue.

[maggsataxia in reply to peakerhome]

Hi there thank you for your reply im pretty much in the same boat as yourself I used to go to the gym and swim a bit but unfortunatly them days are gone. I go out to the back garden with my rollator (that is if Iremember to bring it but round the house I tend to stagger around by myself whereas I should be using my rollator. I intend to think I didnt need it before. If im out in town I would always have someone with me and sometimes use a whoolchair.