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Spasticity, diet & exercise

It’s great that your son is very active and that he’s doing well at school. It sounds as though his premature birth isn’t holding him back much!

He might well benefit from some professional support. He may need stretching exercises designed to strengthen his legs. Exactly what form these exercises should take depends very much on his specific problems.

Also, it’s difficult to say whether your son is underweight for his age without knowing his height. But if he is underweight, expert advice on nutrition would be a good idea.

Physiotherapy and spasticity

The best thing to do is see your doctor. Your GP would be able to examine him carefully and arrange a referral to a paediatric physiotherapist for an in-depth assessment and detailed advice on his movement problems.

The doctor would also be able to measure your son’s height and, if he is underweight, a referral to a practice or local hospital dietician would be the right move.

About spasticity

Spasticity – also known as muscular hypertonicity – basically means that certain muscles are tight and contracted. This is because the muscles are receiving continual messages from the nervous system to stiffen and tighten.

In your son’s case, it sounds as though his leg muscles are particularly affected. This might interfere with his movement, in particular walking and running.

Why does muscular hypertonicity happen?

There are several possible explanations. In your son’s case, the most likely is that his leg problems are linked to being born early (prematurely).

Sometimes, premature birth can be linked with a form of cerebral palsy called spastic diplegia. This is a physical impairment that affects movement and co-ordination.

It ranges in severity from one person to another. Some children might experience movement problems that are barely noticeable, while for others these problems might be more severe.

Diagnosis and treatment

If you don’t have a firm diagnosis for your son’s problems, it would be a good idea to discuss this with your doctor.

There isn’t a cure for spasticity. But there is a lot that can be done to help your son cope with it, and to prevent complications (such as deformities) developing.

Physiotherapy is usually the first line in treatment. Specific exercises will help keep your son’s muscles flexible.

Physio and exercises

It would be a good idea for him to be assessed by a paediatric physiotherapist. They could devise a programme of exercises to help him maximise the range of movement in his legs, and help prevent loss of joint movement and muscle contracture.

For instance, leg stretches are important to prevent muscle shortening, which may affect your son’s balance and walking.

It’s also important to encourage activities he enjoys, such as swimming and other sports both within school and at after school clubs. The physiotherapist will advise you on which would benefit your son most.

Medication

Depending on the severity of your son’s problems, medication may be useful to help control any spasms in the muscles and help his joints to move more freely.

Specifically, botulinum toxin injections can be useful for some children. This helps specific muscles relax so they become less stiff, enabling a child to move around more easily and comfortably. Your doctor will be able to advise you on this.

What's the outlook?

The effects of this problem vary enormously from child to child. But even at its most severe, with the right support and treatment the symptoms can be eased.

Having spasticity in his legs doesn’t mean your son won’t be able to lead a full and independent life in the future.

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