How to Keep From Falling With Hsp

Hereditary spastic paraplegia (HSP) is a general term for different groups of genetic disorders that have the same primary characteristics of rigidity (spasticity) and weakness of the lower extremities. This disease is classified into two types; the more common type known as the uncomplicated spastic paraplegia and the rare type known as the complicated spastic paraplegia. The onset of both types of HSP is gradual and occurs at any age from infancy to late adulthood. Symptoms of the uncomplicated hereditary spastic paraplegia include limited to progressive weakening of the lower extremities, accompanied with bladder dysfunction, and decrease sensation in the areas of the feet. Complicated or complex type of HSP exhibits all the symptoms of the uncomplicated type; but with additional complications such as epilepsy, ataxia, and peripheral or optic neuropathy. The manifestations of these symptoms vary in every individual, even for patients belonging in the same family. Since the damage of this disease is centered on the lower extremities, gait affectations are considered as the main problem. Abnormal ways of walking and balance difficulties lead to frequent falls of patients. But there are ways to decrease falling tendencies of individuals suffering from hereditary spastic paraplegia (HSP), and they are presented as follows.

Things You'll Need

• Muscle relaxant medications
• Physical therapist
• Parallel bars/ stationary bike/ pool
• Walking aids
• Proper foot wear

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Instructions

Ways on How to Prevent Frequent Falls with HSP

• 1

  Take some treatment medications such as Baclofen and Dantrolene for spastic muscles. These medications can either be taken orally or can be administered directly to the spine. Muscle relaxants or antispasmodic drugs (Baclofen and Dantrolene) help in reducing muscle spasms or rigidity--making it easier to accomplish movements during therapy sessions.

• 2

  Schedule for a physical therapy treatment; although regular sessions with a physical therapist may not stop spinal cord degeneration, it can be of great help for weakened and spastic leg muscles. It will improve muscle strength and range of motion, helps in reducing stiffness due to constant mobility, increases the endurance of muscles against fatigue, and it will reduce the risk of atrophy (decrease in size due to immobility) of leg muscles. For those with childhood onset, early physical therapy management will lead to a more improved gait, and a functional way of living in later life.

• 3

  Perform some strengthening exercise for the lower extremities. This is a good way to increase the power of leg muscles especially those that are not yet weakened by the disease. Strengthened muscles will then support muscles that are already weak, improving the patients’ mobility during ambulation. There are less falls due to improve muscle strength.

• 4

  Execute strengthening exercises for the muscles of the back. Increasing the strength of back muscles will help in maintaining proper posture during ambulation, thus, reducing frequent falls due to an imbalanced stance.

• 5

  Do some stretching exercises for the lower extremities. Sustained stretches lengthens the muscles of the legs, which will lead to decreases in spasticity or stiffness. And when leg muscles are free from spasticity, it will improve the patients’ functional mobility. Movements will be more controlled during walking which lessens falling tendencies and imbalances. Aside from increasing the flexibility of leg muscles, this exercise also increases and maintains range of motion, and reduces the risk of muscle cramps and inflammation of muscle tendons.

• 6

  Walking in parallel bars, riding a stationary bike, and water therapy are excellent aerobic exercises for the lower extremities and the whole body. It increases muscle endurance, reduces the risk of fatigue, and improves cardiovascular and overall fitness.

• 7

  Get training in proper use of assistive devices such as forearm crutches, canes, walkers, and wheelchairs. All of these supportive walking aids will help increase the stability of the patients’ stance and ambulation, reducing the risk of accidental falls.

• 8

  Wear the kind of foot wear with a cushioned shock-absorbing insoles and those with skid-resistant soles to prevent frequent falls. Using the proper kind of shoes will contribute to a more functional and effective way of walking.