Multiple Sclerosis
Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a chronic neurological illness involving the central nervous system. The immune system attacks myelin, the protective layer around nerve fibres, and this causes inflammation, scar tissue, or lesions.
What we treat
Although there is no cure available for MS, multiple treatment options exist. Because the disease varies from person to person, treatment will depend on your specific symptoms, and a flexible approach is necessary. These treatments may ease your symptoms and improve your quality of life.
Types of MS
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Primary-progressive (PPMS)
Neurological function worsens from the onset of your symptoms if you have PPMS. However, short periods of stability can still occur. Progressive-relapsing MS was a term people previously used for progressive MS with clear relapses — people now call it PPMS. The words “active” and “not active” describe disease activity.
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Secondary-progressive (SPMS)
SPMS occurs when relapsing-remitting MS (RRMS) transitions into the progressive form. You may still have noticeable relapses and gradual worsening of function or disability over time.
Questions
What are the symptoms of MS?
People with MS experience a wide range of symptoms. Due to the nature of the disease, it can vary widely from one person to another. The symptoms can change in severity yearly, month to month, and even day to day.
Two of the most common symptoms are fatigue and difficulty walking, with approximately 80% of people with MS reporting fatigue.
Difficulty walking can occur with MS for several reasons:
- numbness of the legs or feet
- difficulty balancing
- muscle weakness
- muscle spasticity
Other common symptoms include speech disorders, tremor, cognitive issues involving concentration and memory, and acute or chronic pain.
What are the early signs of MS?
MS can develop all at once, or the symptoms can be so mild that you easily dismiss them. Three of the most common early signs are:
- Strange sensations — numbness and tingling of the arms, legs, or one side of your face
- Balance slightly off — legs may feel weak; you may trip while walking
- Vision changes — double vision, blurry vision, partial vision loss, or eye pain
These early symptoms can go away only to return weeks, months, or years later. They can have many causes — if you have them, it doesn’t necessarily mean you have MS.
What causes Multiple Sclerosis (MS)?
If you have MS, the myelin in your body becomes damaged — the protective layer that covers nerve fibres throughout the central nervous system.
It’s thought the damage results from an immune system attack that causes inflammation and scar tissue (lesions), disrupting signals between the brain and other parts of your body. Researchers think an environmental trigger such as a virus or toxin could set off the attack.
What is it like living with MS?
Most people with MS find ways to manage their symptoms and function well. You will face unique challenges, and those can change over time. Many people share coping strategies through in-person or online support groups.
Regular exercise is important for physical and mental health. If movement is difficult, swimming or pool exercise can help. Yoga classes range from beginner to advanced, and some are designed just for people with MS.
How can MoveMe help?
An orthotic consultation lets you discuss enhancing your mobility while living with MS. Our clinical team can assess gait, fit AFOs and footwear, and recommend supports that match how your symptoms present day to day.
Contact us for what’s available, or book an appointment with our team.
HOW MOVEME HELPS
The orthoses we fit for MS
Working closely with our physiotherapy colleagues, we apply, modify and customise both therapy programmes and orthotic devices to reduce fatigue and aid your mobility.
Book an orthotic consultation- Leafspring AFOs Ankles · ready to wear
- Carbon fibre AFOs Ankles · several designs
- Footups Foot drop support
- Dictus bands Foot drop support
- Hip Flexion Assist Device Hips · HFAD
- FES systems Functional electrical stimulation
Treatment areas
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Ankle orthoses, particularly in Custom Made AFO's (Ankle foot orthosis) is our area of expertise. These can be either ready to wear or custom made depending on your bracing needs.
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Footwear is suitable for a range of needs to support you, with various options from ready-to-wear to custom-made, all perfectly suited to your particular needs.
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We offer knee support with a wide range of knee orthoses suitable for your needs either custom-made or ready-to-wear.
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We provide Hip orthotic bracing solutions best suited to your needs either custom made or ready-to-wear.
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MoveMe provides hand and wrist support orthoses that are either ready-to-wear or custom made.
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Elbow and shoulder orthoses are available in both ready-to-wear and custom-made options.
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We have a range of orthoses available for Head, Neck and Spine support. Our orthotists and technicians will collaborate to build you the best orthosis to suit your individual needs.
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We support children's orthoses needs with our range of Paediatrics orthoses that can be custom-made or ready-to-wear solutions.