Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Support Group

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Toes curling down to help stand

oleblue
oleblue
I was just wondering if anyone has happening to them. I've been having some problems walking and have been kinda shakey all over. While I'm standing and get that swaying while standing (you know like that old song lyric Slow standing swaying to the music) feeling my toes start curling down like the are trying to dig into something to hang on to which of course can led to cramps.
The only thing I can compare it to is when people talk about claw hand and I feel like it should be called claw toe. Is this a MS thing or just a natural reaction to keep me from falling. Of course any input would be great.
Hope everyone is feeling well, I'm thinking with the transistion from winter to spring maybe not as there has not been many posts good or bad.
Take Care
Dave
deleted_user
deleted_user
Sorry Dave, I have no clue! Just wanted to say.....have a wonderful day : )
Lori
kathi6635
kathi6635
Maybe look up "Dropfoot". Sounds like it to me. I have this and wear a AFO brace on both feet now so my heals hit first and not my toes.

They help me alot and I trip alot less.

Have a good day

Kath
deleted_user
deleted_user
Yes,! that happens to me all of the time and it drives me crazy. I thought this was a normal side effect for what I have, TM. My balance is so bad that I feel like I am going to fall often. I really should use my cane, but am so hard headed that I don't very often. The cramping will start with me as well when I force the balance, but that also happens after I exercise my legs. Does that happen to you also?
NormanG
NormanG
Dave, I have the same issue on my right foot, but only if I go barefooted, which is pretty rare because of the toes curling. When I was see a PT, she had me doing calf stretching which seemed to help with the toes curling.

Norm
deleted_user
deleted_user
What you're experiencing is really very common with MS. It's spasticity in the muscles of your legs and feet that are making them feel shaky and tensing up (toes curling in). For me it seems that muscle spasticity is most noticable when I stand up after sitting down for awhile or when I've been standing in one position for too long. Spasticity is caused by the short circuiting of signals between our brains and muscles. There are medications out there, such as baclofen, that can help with this. I sometimes get spasticity in my hands, too, where my fingers will cramp themselves together and I have to use my other hand to "untangle" them.
princessgwenda
princessgwenda
This thing happens to me too I always had a hard time just standing still. For me some days I just feel like I'm wearing roller skates and trying to grip the floor drasticly to just stand still (making my calves cramp (OUCH)! Some days I feel like a feather getting blown by the wind and end up fallin on the floor usually (ow!).

Sometimes the PT and stretchings help a little.
deleted_user
deleted_user
I do this too!! Only on my right side though. I kept wondering if my right foot was shrinking or something because my shoe felt too big. I finally realized I was curling my toes in when I walked. I don't do it when I am barefoot. My right foot drags a little when I walk, so I guess I am trying to hold onto my shoe or something so I don't trip, which I do alot. No more high heels for me!! : ( I would seriously get hurt if I wore them now. When I get very tired, I have a hard time walking without tripping over my foot. I get very frustrated and upset because I am only 25, but my body feels and is starting to act like that of a much older person.
I'm guessing it is a natural reaction so we don't fall! I guess I will have to buy my right shoe a size smaller!!! LOL
mjideas
mjideas
I never had that problem but it does sound like spasticity to me. You may want to ask your doctor. Botox shots in the calfs maybe a possibility to help and/or PT.

When I first started having problems walking, the physical therapist I saw told me to curl my toes to get a better grip.

It worked until my balance and gait worsened.

I no longer am able to walk so this is no longer relevant to me. What did stop me walking was a drop foot that dragged and I continually tripped on. For anyone with that problem you might want to try AFO braces and one of those e-stim devices (walk-aide or Bioness) to strengthen your feet/calf/tendon. It is something I'd highly recommend along with Botox when indicated.

Botox helps me stand and stretch better.

Take Care everybody,

Melanie
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