Have you ever felt your leg start shaking uncontrollably, leaving you wondering if it's just a muscle twitch or something more serious?
For many people living with Multiple Sclerosis (MS), this rhythmic muscle shaking—known as clonus—can be a frustrating and disruptive symptom. Clonus occurs when the brain and muscles miscommunicate, leading to involuntary spasms, often in the legs.
While it can be startling and uncomfortable, the good news is that clonus is manageable. Let’s dive into what clonus in MS looks like and how to tackle it effectively.
Clonus in MS is a type of “reflex response,” meaning it happens due to the way your muscles respond to certain movements or angles, often in a way they shouldn’t. For someone without a neurological condition, reflexes typically respond as expected. But in someone experiencing MS, the brain and muscles might “miscommunicate,” causing the muscles to spasm when they’re stretched in certain ways.
A common example of a reflex like this (that happens to everyone) is the hiccups, which is a rhythmic response in your diaphragm. Clonus is a similar reflex but usually happens in the legs and, instead of a quick “hic” sound, it creates that bouncing or shaking feeling in your leg.
Clonus is a common but often misunderstood symptom in Multiple Sclerosis (MS), causing rhythmic muscle spasms, usually in the legs. If you’re experiencing unusual leg bouncing or shaking, clonus might be the reason—and the good news is, there are simple ways to check for it and ways to manage it.
Here’s how to identify clonus and take steps to reduce its impact.
Here’s the good news: clonus is one of those MS symptoms that you can often manage on the spot with a few easy adjustments! Simply changing the position of your ankle can help stop the clonus before it gets too uncomfortable.
The trick? Straighten your knee to reduce the bend in your ankle. When your knee is bent and your ankle is flexed, the muscles are more likely to go into clonus. But by pushing your leg a bit straighter, you open up the angle between your shin and foot, which helps calm the muscles down. So, the next time you’re sitting and feel clonus start up, try extending your leg forward slightly while keeping your foot flat on the floor. Often, this small shift can instantly reduce or even stop clonus altogether.
This adjustment is not only quick but can be done anytime and almost anywhere. Whether you’re seated, riding a bike, or even reaching down in the shower, paying attention to your ankle position can make a big difference in keeping clonus at bay.
Clonus can catch you off guard, especially during everyday activities like sitting, biking, or reaching down to pick something up. Fortunately, with a few simple adjustments, you can reduce the chances of clonus interrupting your day. Here are some practical examples of where clonus might pop up and tips to manage it on the spot.
On a Bike: Whether you're using a stationary or recumbent bike, pointing your toes downward while pedaling helps reduce ankle flexion and can prevent clonus from occurring.
When Leg Shaking Happens: Sometimes, leg shaking can be caused by anxiety rather than clonus. To tell the difference, try straightening your knee to open up the angle in your ankle. If the shaking stops, it's likely clonus; if it continues, it could be anxiety or something else.
In the Shower: If clonus starts when you're bending down, like to grab shampoo, try stepping one leg slightly forward (the leg where you're feeling clonus). This small adjustment can help open the ankle angle and prevent your leg from shaking as you reach.
For Other Neurological Conditions: Clonus can occur in other neurological conditions beyond MS, including stroke, cerebral palsy, and traumatic brain injuries. The same strategies for adjusting your ankle and knee positioning can help manage clonus in these conditions as well.
While clonus is most commonly seen in the legs, it can occasionally affect other parts of the body, like the hands, arms, or even the face. If you notice clonus happening in these areas, it typically occurs when the muscles are stretched or extended, such as when you reach out or bend a limb.
In these cases, the best way to manage clonus is to reverse the movement. Try moving the affected limb in the opposite direction to gently relax the muscle and reduce the stretch.
For example, if you feel your hand or arm start to shake when you reach for something, try bending your elbow or wrist slightly to reduce the tension. These small adjustments can help calm the muscles and prevent the rhythmic shaking associated with clonus, making it more manageable in daily activities.
If you have clonus—or think you might—remember that it’s a manageable symptom. Unlike some MS symptoms that require ongoing treatment or exercise to improve, clonus can often be managed immediately by adjusting your position. So, don’t let clonus throw you off! By understanding what it is and making simple adjustments, you can take control and reduce its impact on your day-to-day life.
To learn more about clonus and other unique symptoms of MS, my book – The MSing Link – is an excellent resource to get you started! Together, we will work through exercises, information from experts, and resources to help you feel in charge of your symptoms, not the other way around.
Do you have any further questions on how to manage clonus in MS? Please feel free to DM me on Instagram @doctor.gretchen.
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Have you ever felt your leg start shaking uncontrollably, leaving you wondering if it's just a muscle twitch or something more serious? The good news is that clonus in MS is manageable! Read about what clonus in MS looks like and how to tackle it effectively here.
Why do some people with MS feel worse over time, even when their MRIs show no changes? This is where smoldering MS comes into the picture. Read exactly what smoldering Multiple Sclerosis is, plus how you can manage symptoms here.
Dr. Gretchen Hawley's The MSing Link offers a comprehensive guide to taking control of your MS symptoms and improving your mobility through MS-specific exercises and strategies.
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As a physical therapist & Multiple Sclerosis Certified Specialist, I have spent the last 10 years teaching people with MS how to feel more confident & empowered through MS-specific exercises and strategies.
If you want support and encouragement, plus a healthy dose of tough love, come follow me on Instagram (@doctor.gretchen) or on YouTube @DoctorGretchenHawley. It's where I share daily tips, tricks, and information about new offers — plus, you’re bound to feel more empowered, hopeful, & motivated after watching each post and video!
Questions? Email me at Hello@DoctorGretchenHawley.com