Stepping Forward: Improving Lower Limb Function for People with Multiple Sclerosis

Overcoming the challenges posed by Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a testament to human resilience and spirit. For many, MS means navigating a litany of unexpected challenges while always trying to maintain a sense of independence and a touch of the ordinary in their day-to-day.

Yet, the journey with MS is not just about the hurdles. It’s a story of community support, individual growth, and finding joy in the smallest victories. And equipment such as standing frames is empowering those with MS to redefine their boundaries and experience the world in novel ways. This blog will explore that in detail.

Beyond the medical and technological facets, as we examine the effects of multiple sclerosis, we will also explore the importance of mental well-being and how to regain strength and independence from the condition.

Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a lifelong condition that affects the central nervous system that connects the brain and spinal cord, slowing down the responsiveness of the signals sent to the muscles. This creates mobility issues affecting balance and walking.

MS is not a genetically inherited disease, but people can still inherit the risk of the disease affecting them. The NHS estimates that the chance of a child of someone with MS also developing it is estimated to be around 2 to 3 in 100. The disease affects women more than men by 2-3x, and it is most likely to develop in people in their 20s through to their 40s.

The severity of MS symptoms can vary from person to person, but the condition affects balance, movement and sight. This can result in difficulty walking, fatigue, vision problems, numbness in parts of the body and muscle stiffness or spasms.

The balance, coordination and muscle weakness issues that often develop as a result of MS can have a deeply felt impact on daily activities. Those with MS encounter difficulties moving about and accessing places on their own, and this increased reliance can make many feel as if they are bound to their living spaces.

Work life can be disrupted by fatigue caused by prolonged sitting, which can have detrimental effects on productivity and overall job happiness. A person with MS’s once-loved active hobbies might become harder to pursue after it develops, as well as social commitments. Pastimes demand significant physical effort, and being restricted by MS can not only have physical but also emotional impact. The condition can significantly affect a person’s self-confidence when their day-to-day lives have become more challenging than before.

EasyStand’s assisted standing devices are tailored to bolster the user and regain control over their movements. Products like the EasyStand Evolv allow users to transition from a seated to a standing position with a pump handle that makes it independently operated. MS affects people in different ways, and modular attachments and equipment such as knee supports, removable beat rest and push-button automatic lift means no matter how it affects someone, they have the exact support they need to stand.

A study conducted by the National Institute for Health and Care Research found that standing frames have had a profound effect on people with MS. When using a standing frame, it returns them to normalcy and restores muscle strength in their lower body while supporting them to stand. Plus, having such a well-made piece of equipment gives them the motivation to try and improve their condition and confidence to improve their body. It’s a device that gives people the tools to enhance their mental as well as their physical well-being.