Multiple Sclerosis
Physical Therapy and Custom Insoles: A Powerful Duo for MS
Physiotherapy and custom insoles provide the right 'boost' for a stable life with MS! This combination helps with muscle weakness, coordination problems, and gait disorders. Physiotherapy improves mobility and muscle function, while custom insoles support foot mechanics and enhance stability. Together, they offer comprehensive, personalized care for people with MS who want to lead an active and fulfilling life. Learn more about our approach to MS.
Causes an Disease Progression in MS
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a common neurological disorder in Europe, predominantly affecting young adults between the ages of 20 and 40, and is more frequent in women. MS has a hereditary component, but the exact cause remains unknown. In MS, the body's immune cells attack the myelin sheath, the protective covering of the nerves, in the brain and spinal cord. This slows down signal transmission and triggers various neurological symptoms.
The progression of MS is highly individual and ranges from relapsing forms, where symptoms occur in episodes and partially remit, to progressive forms, where symptoms continuously worsen. Mixed forms are also possible. Due to this variability, MS requires a tailored treatment strategy.
Symptoms an Prognosis of Multiple Sclerosi
The symptoms of multiple sclerosis (MS) can vary greatly from person to person and are often difficult to define clearly. However, there are some common symptoms that can indicate MS and affect walking and gait:
- Sensory disturbances: Numbness or tingling in the legs and feet, which can impair walking.
- Motor disturbances: Muscle weakness and coordination problems, which affect balance and mobility.
- Rapid fatigue: Persistent fatigue that reduces physical performance and endurance while walking.
- Spasticity: Muscle stiffness and spasms, which make movement and walking difficult.
The prognosis of MS is hard to predict, as the course of the disease varies for each individual. Despite these uncertainties, there are ways to improve mobility and quality of life through individualized treatment plans and a holistic approach.
Therapeutic Methods for Managing MS
There are many individualized therapeutic methods for MS that can positively influence the course of the disease, even though they do not provide a cure. Medications play an important role. Assistive devices like special cutlery, shoehorns, or grips make daily life easier. For people with walking difficulties, custom-made orthotics, aids such as walking sticks, crutches, or walkers can be helpful. Occupational therapy, speech therapy, endurance and exercise training, as well as physical therapy, aim to maintain muscle activity and improve coping with impairments. At Laufgsund, we offer comprehensive support through physical therapy, custom insoles, and orthopedic shoes to enhance your mobility and quality of life.
How Can Insoles Help with MS?
Insoles are orthopedic devices inserted into shoes to support foot mechanics, improve posture, and reduce stress on the joints. For people with MS, insoles can play an important role by helping to alleviate some of the most common symptoms associated with the condition. It's important to note that insoles alone cannot perform miracles and that individual consultation and customization by a qualified orthopedic technician or podiatrist is essential. Insoles must be precisely tailored to the individual's needs and foot anatomy to achieve their full effectiveness.
Improvement of Balance and Stability
One of the challenges faced by people with MS is impaired balance and stability. Insoles can help correct foot position and alignment, which in turn can improve balance and reduce the risk of falls.
Support for Foot Mechanics
MS can lead to foot problems such as foot drop, claw toes, or splayfoot, causing pain and discomfort while walking. Insoles can help correct these issues by properly supporting and aligning the foot, which in turn reduces stress on the muscles and joints.
Reduction of Muscle Weakness and Fatigue
People with MS often experience muscle weakness and fatigue, especially during longer walks. Well-fitted insoles can help relieve the muscles and improve walking efficiency, which can, in turn, reduce fatigue.
Anova Shoes and MS: How Can They Help?
Support and Stability
Anova Shoes are designed to provide optimal support and stability for the feet. For people with MS, who often have issues with balance and gait, these shoes can help reduce the risk of falls and improve confidence while walking.
Improvement of Foot Mechanics
Using Anova Shoes can better address certain foot problems commonly associated with MS, such as foot deformities or muscle cramps. The shoes can help promote proper foot alignment and reduce stress on specific areas of the foot.
Can the Use of Orthopedic Shoes Slow Down the Progression of Arthrosis?
Anova Shoes are generally designed to be both functional and comfortable. This is especially important for people with MS, who may experience sensitivities or pain in their feet. The right shoes can offer all-day comfort while ensuring optimal support.
Physical Therapy and MS
Physical therapy plays a crucial role in the management of multiple sclerosis (MS). Since MS is a neurological disorder that often leads to muscle weakness, coordination problems, and gait disturbances, targeted physical therapy can help alleviate these symptoms and improve the quality of life for those affected. Through specific exercises aimed at strengthening muscles, improving balance, and enhancing mobility, physical therapists can develop individualized therapy plans tailored to each patient's needs. Additionally, techniques such as manual therapy and massage therapy can help relieve muscle tension and reduce pain. Physical therapy can also help maintain mobility and reduce the risk of falls, which is vital for people with MS.
This is what Cobie Van Asselt says:
"The latest findings on MS confirm what I know from my own experience: physiotherapy and continuous movement are absolutely crucial. It's about making the best out of the situation and figuring out where personal limits lie. Even the simple tips from a physiotherapist have a tremendous impact on well-being.
Often, they are also the ones who help when someone needs further adjustments. They work closely with podiatrists who can conduct a precise analysis of gait patterns and produce shoe inserts. Communication between the various professional groups is straightforward and direct.
The ultimate goal is to be able to move as pain-free and with as much strength as possible for as long as possible. My physiotherapist can also advise me to use aids such as crutches or a walker. They not only support me in the adjustment but also show me how to use these aids as efficiently as possible."
This is what Mrs. A.B. says:
"Over 24 years ago, I was diagnosed with MS. As a child, I had a serious skiing accident, which resulted in one leg being shorter, requiring me to pay more attention to my footwear. After the MS diagnosis, I decided to give my feet more attention in general. Due to the illness, I had problems walking and experienced balance issues. It was high time to take action. My feet were examined and measured. For several years now, I have been receiving competent advice from Mrs. Lisa Petersen. In recent years, there have been many changes in orthopedics. Precise, modern, and interesting examinations are carried out at Laufgsund. I am very grateful to be able to move around with such modern inserts. I am a woman who is very active. With the inserts, I have great stability in my shoes, feel safer during exercises, have significantly fewer falls, and experience much less pain in my feet and legs. I thank Mrs. Lisa Petersen for making this possible."
Conclusion: the strong duo for MS
A holistic approach to Multiple Sclerosis can effectively address the challenges associated with muscle weakness, coordination problems, and gait disturbances, enabling individuals to lead an active and fulfilling life. At Laufgesund, we aim to be not only a part of your therapy plan but also your partner on the journey to improved health and well-being. Our dedicated therapists will support you empathetically and competently throughout your treatment, genuinely committed to assisting you every step of the way.