Heavy legs

[Misand]

Hello all, may I ask your advice, does anyone know of any method to relieve the feeling of heaviness in the legs please. It's causing my wife a great deal of extreme discomfort presently. Or is it something which you must learn to live with ? . Many thanks in advance for any advice. Misand.

[susanbennett100]

My husband has been complaining of this for a long time and it does seem to be getting worse. So far we haven't found anything that helps. Sue

[Misand in reply to susanbennett100]

Hi Sue, thank you for taking the time to reply, it seems we shall both have to keep looking for a very elusive answer, should I learn of anything that helps I will let you know. Thanks again, regards Michael.

[formercarer]

This isn't something my mum complained about, so I can't speak with any authority, all I can suggest is touch, and distraction. I would offer massage, and I would look for any obvious causes that might explain the discomfort such as swelling, water retention, excess weight. It is important to move her every 90 minutes or so. As far as distraction is concerned, keeping the show moving is good. A daily blast of sunshine is important (remember the floppy sun-hat and dark wrap-around-sunglasses) company of friends, family, laughter will always be good medicine. There is also a tens machine, which delivers mini (and controllable) electric shocks. We have a limited ability to feel, the tens machine can block other sensations. It is likely that the heaviness in the legs issue will soon be replaced by another as yet unforeseen issue. Nothing is forever with this illness.

I expect that you know there is a drug which is licensed for depression that seems to have the potential to stop the build up of tau which leads to the progressive palsy? I forget the name of it, but it is definitely worth a go.

[Misand in reply to formercarer]

Hi former carer, many thanks for your suggestions, I have a tens machine and will speak to the consultant regarding the anti depressant. Nice to hear from you and thanks again. Regards Misand.

[enzo501]

Mis ,

When you speak of a "heavy leg " I am assuming you mean the one that drags a bit and pulsates, and is extremely "tight" ..my wife has a similar problem for almost 3 yrs.We have tried botox injections twice to NO avail...they were given in the muscles between the calf and shin bone and both times had absolutely no effect. I can tell you this ..in our case any drug that relaxes her right leg makes her 10 times more likely to fall and be way more unresponsive to many other movements and motions.So we (she) has learned to tolerate it most of the time .With my wife that leg (foot ) also turns out ...she walks on the outside of that foot ,how-ever we had a strong plastic brace made and fitted that she wears when we do our short walk outside ...20 mins ..maybe 1/2 mile ...with stops to rest .It gives her alot more stability (as the foot in the brace is forced to be flat ).If I can be of any help with your wifes problem let us know ..I am in Littleton ,Co and we have Kaiser Ins...good luck ...jeff

[Misand]

Thanks Jeff, I'll talk to the wife with regards to what you have explained and we'll see what she thinks. Once again many thanks. Regards Michael.

[daddyt]

Hi, just got around to reading your post now. I know all about heavy legs, in my blog I call them tree stumps... masquerading as legs. Fortunately, I still have some mobility but I do use a cane and a walker. I know all too well the tightness, the weakness and the dragging foot... purple colour in my feet sometimes too. I really notice it more when I try to climb stairs... with support of course. What I also noticed was how winded that activity leaves me, I exercise 2 hours everyday and thought that it was strange I should be so out of breath. I went to a respirologist to have some breathing tests done, we discovered that the muscles that are responsible for breathing... inhaling and exhaling were only working at 38 and 42% respectively due to weakness from the PSP. Easy to figure out now about swallowing issues. If you think about it, we use are legs the most and if they're not getting the proper amount of oxygen, you're going to experience issues. I don't think there is much in the way of treatment, I get Botox in the calf of my right leg but that is for dystonia in my foot that wants to turn inwards. If your wife is able, you might want to consider a stationary bike to exercise on... exercise makes all the difference in my mobility. Massage might be another consideration, other than that, I have no other advise... sorry.

[Misand in reply to daddyt]

Hi daddyt, thank you for such an in depth reply. I've just read it to Sandra and she says it's got to be worth trying out your suggestions, with your past experiences. Many thanks again and take care. Regards Michael.