What is Multiple Sclerosis?

Multiple Sclerosis (MS, disseminated encephalomyelitis) is a chronic inflammatory autoimmune disease of the central nervous system (CNS; brain and spinal cord). Over two million people worldwide are affected, and the exact cause has not yet been conclusively determined. The disease is characterized by focal inflammatory episodes in the CNS that are either episodic or progressive, damaging nerve structures and causing scarring over time. At the damaged sites, the transmission of nerve impulses is disrupted, leading to a variety of symptoms. Women are about three times more likely to be affected than men. MS can occur at any age, but the most common onset is between the ages of 20 and 40.

Was ist Multiple Sklerose?

What symptoms occur with Multiple Sclerosis?

The symptoms of MS vary greatly depending on the locations in the CNS where inflammation occurs, leading to diverse impairments in all regions of the body. Often, vision impairments due to inflammation of the optic nerve and skin sensory disturbances occur initially. Other common symptoms include disturbances in eye movement, pronounced fatigue, numbness and abnormal skin sensations (tingling, pins and needles), spastic paralysis, coordination difficulties, bladder and bowel dysfunction, sexual dysfunction, heat sensitivity, and concentration and memory disorders.

What is the course of the disease?

Despite all research efforts, the causes of MS have not yet been conclusively determined. It is important, however, that apparently the body’s own immune cells attack the nerve cell extensions. This leads to many small inflammations in the spinal cord and brain.

These small inflammations are referred to as demyelination foci, which can occur throughout the central nervous system. The inflammations can thus be referred to as causes, but it is not yet clear why the immune cells initially attack the nerves.

How is Multiple Sclerosis treated?

A cure for MS is not yet possible. However, various medications help to mitigate the course of the disease and delay the progression of physical disability. In acute relapse therapy, high-dose glucocorticoids (cortisone) are used. To reduce the frequency of relapses and slow the progression of the disease, various active substances that affect the immune system of those affected are used. Additionally, supplementary therapies that alleviate symptoms and enhance quality of life play an important role. These include antispasmodic drugs, endurance training, psychotherapy, occupational and physical therapy, and the provision of aids such as an orthosis.

What is the purpose of an orthosis?

Particularly movement restrictions, walking difficulties, and fear of falling are very stressful for affected individuals. In addition to regular physiotherapy, orthoses are often used in everyday life. They support walking and standing and help patients gain more autonomy and improve quality of life. An orthosis reduces the likelihood of falls and stumbling and contributes to improving the sense of security for people with MS. Furthermore, a properly fitted orthosis helps to avoid incorrect gait patterns, thus preventing potential posture damage. For an orthosis to be worn regularly and customer satisfaction to be ensured, detailed individual consultation and professional fitting are crucial.

How is an orthosis fitted?

Initially, determining the strength levels of the legs is important for fitting an orthosis. The individual muscle groups are examined more closely in a function test. The focus is on the leg that is to be supported and is accordingly weaker. For each muscle group, the degree of existing paralysis is indicated on a scale from 0 to 5. At strength level 0/5, there is complete paralysis of the respective muscle group, while at 5/5, function is completely preserved. Depending on the severity, the orthosis is individually adjusted.

Additionally, a standard walking test (6-minute walk test) is used to identify the degree of fatigue under stress. Function tests of the muscles are performed before and after walking over a period of six minutes. This allows the strength level of the muscle groups in the fatigued state to be determined and the orthosis to be precisely adapted to the individual needs.

Fußorthese und Sprunggelenkorthese

Conclusion: More safety in everyday life despite MS thanks to an orthosis

Multiple Sclerosis presents daily challenges to those affected. An individually adapted orthosis helps to increase safety in everyday activities such as walking and standing, thereby preserving a degree of independence. Factors such as the achieved strength levels and the fatigue of the muscles play a crucial role in the adaptation and are assessed in detailed consultation sessions.

(Bishop and Rumrill, 2015) (Walton et al., 2020) (Baird et al., 2018) (Neuman et al., 2021) (A et al., 2020) (Stevens et al., 2013) (Swinnen et al., 2018) (Swinnen and Kerckhofs, 2015) (Swinnen et al., 2015) (Cederberg et al., 2019)

Sprunggelenkorthese Fußorthese in Sonderanfertigung bei ergonomic care München

Your Advantages at ergonomic care Medical Supply Store

Free Consultation & Training

Our staff provides you with professional advice either on-site or over the phone. Guaranteed at no cost to you. In addition to the consultation, you will also receive training on how to put on the aids and get care tips.

Fair Prices

For a standard model, expect a statutory co-payment between €5 and a maximum of €10 per fitting. Additional costs may apply for premium fittings, depending on the model.

Collaboration with Top Brand Manufacturers

To provide you with optimal care, ergonomic care relies on the quality of renowned manufacturers. Their products effectively support medical therapy with an optimal appearance. The use of high-quality materials with the most advanced manufacturing techniques ensures consistently high quality. We work exclusively with brand manufacturers such as medi, Donjoy, Bauerfeind, and Össur.

100% Satisfaction Guarantee

We are confident in our quality, so you can come to our branch at any time with questions or issues concerning your aid.

Grateful customers of ergonomic care

A pleasantly bright, clean, remarkably collegial, and friendly shop in the heart of Munich. What deeply impressed me, however, is the know-how and motivation of the integrated workshop. Based on a recommendation, I approached the medical supply store for a relatively complex orthopedic problem. After a very detailed anamnesis, the problem was tackled efficiently and professionally, where, quite naturally, the collected knowledge of all employees was utilized to ensure my optimal care. Advantages and disadvantages of various methods were explained, peculiarities were included, and then implemented in a functional solution. The motivation of the employees was impressive and I never had the impression that profit or gain was the main focus. Instead, the focus was on solving the mentioned problem. I rarely write reviews, but I believe that here, people with orthopedic problems are genuinely willing and able to help.

Mr. Butler – Customer

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