What does spasticity feel or look like?

Author: SCIRE Community Team | Reviewer: Holly Timms , Felicia Wong | Published: 21 November 2017 | Updated: ~

Spasticity can be experienced in many different ways depending on the person and the characteristics of their SCI.

Signs and symptoms of spasticity:

  • Muscles that are constantly and involuntarily tensed (increased muscle tone)
  • Stiff muscles that resist movement
  • Muscle pain and fatigue
  • Muscle spasms or jerky movements
  • Uncontrolled movements or difficulty coordinating movements
  • Exaggerated reflexes
  • Altered posture or positioning

Spasticity is different from normal muscle tension because the amount of tension depends on the speed that the muscle is stretched. Faster movement speeds cause greater tension and resistance to movement.

Clonus

Picture of a foot flexing and pointing at the ankle with arrows showing the directions of motion up and down

Clonus is often seen as rhythmic tapping or beating motion of the foot at the ankle.2

Clonus is a series of involuntary, rhythmic muscle contractions and relaxations, which often accompanies spasticity.

Clonus is most often seen in the ankle as a rhythmic tapping or beating motion of the foot that is triggered when there is stimulus to the ball of the foot. This can happen when putting weight onto the foot during transfers, standing, or walking. Clonus can also be experienced in other joints. Clonus can last for anywhere from a few seconds to several minutes.

Clonus is not the same as spasticity, but a related symptom that happens for similar reasons.

 

Spasticity may be constant or triggered by something

Picture showing a man transferring from his wheelchair onto a bed

Transfers are a common trigger of spasticity.3

The symptoms of spasticity may be constant or come and go. They may also change over time. Some people will have muscle tension that is always present, while others will have spasticity that comes on or gets worse when it is triggered by something. Common spasticity triggers include:

  • Movement of the arms or legs, especially quick movements
  • Position changes, such as transfers, walking, or moving in bed
  • Stretching
  • Tight clothing or other discomfort below the level of injury
  • Pressure sores, skin irritation, or wounds
  • Bladder problems
  • Bowel problems
  • Cold temperatures
  • Menstrual cycle or pregnancy
  • Emotional or psychological stress
  • Poor positioning in the wheelchair or bed
  • Any other illnesses

A change in spasticity can be a sign of other health problems

Sudden or unexplained changes in spasticity can sometimes signal a health problem that needs attention – most commonly a bladder infection or skin breakdown. If you are not sure why your spasticity has changed, speak to your health providers for further testing.