“New” Symptoms After Using Another Wheelchair
Original Post: I’m using my wheelchair more to conserve, but it’s possible I’ve introduced a new problem. A week ago I was in my manual wheelchair (with a new cushion prescribed by my PT) for 12 hours (a long period for me). That night I was surprised the twitching on my AFO thigh was severe even with the usual alprazolam. Now I have a deep pain in that same AFO leg buttocks and down the side of my thigh. I get some relief if I use my electric wheelchair and go into the zero gravity position and I press deep into the butt muscles; it feels like a knot. Are wheelchair users who use just the upright sitting position more prone?
Could long sitting cause more nighttime twitching on the thigh?
Dr. Bruno’s Response: Posture is EVERYTHING in a wheelchair! 12 hours of sitting, perhaps with the wrong cushion, can cause these issues. Try heat and gentle stretching. Talk to your doctor about trying a low dose of valium if the spasm doesn't go away. Talk to your PT who recommended the cushion.
Are wheelchair users who use just the upright sitting position more prone to muscle pain? Sitting upright takes muscle work, so yes: POLIO RULE #73: It is better to sit than stand, better to lie than sit!
Could long sitting cause more nighttime twitching on the thigh? Yes!