Avoiding situations such as bladder infections, skin breakdowns, or injuries to the feet and legs will also reduce spasticity. There are three primary medications used to treat spasticity, baclofen, Valium, and Dantrium. All have some side effects and do not completely eliminate spasticity. There are some benefits to spasticity. It can serve as a warning mechanism to identify pain or problems in areas where there is no sensation.
Many people know when a urinary tract infection is coming on by the increase in muscle spasms.
Spasticity also helps to maintain muscle size and bone strength. It does not replace walking, but it does hlep to some degree in preventing osteoporosis. Spasticity helps maintain circulation in the legs and can be used to improve certain functional activities such as performing transfers or walking with braces. It is related to disconnections between the body below the injury and the control mechanisms for blood pressure and heart function. It causes the blood pressure to rise to potentially dangerous levels.