Play sports
Not only can you practice a sporting activity, but in addition it has many advantages! A sport that you enjoy will encourage encounters. Furthermore, on a physical level, training is known to have a good impact on the development of MS: it improves muscle strength and coordination, and stabilizes balance.
Nevertheless, training or sports competition should not cause too much fatigue, which could affect physical performance the next day or the following days. And even if no sport is contraindicated, it is better to favor regular activities with progressive effort rather than more violent sports.
The advice of a rehabilitator or a sports doctor can help you choose or adapt the practice of sport to the evolution of your illness.
Prioritize leisure
It is important to continue, or even begin, leisure activities from the onset of the disease, to flourish and avoid withdrawal. Outings, cinema, fatigue is forgotten and you only keep the good memories of the evening!
Getting a massage
When you have trouble walking, holding objects, when you are very tired, massages can help regain vigor and improve muscle well-being. Performed by a physiotherapist masseur, the massage also helps to relax, to release muscular and emotional tensions. The level of anxiety drops in a few weeks, depression decreases and self-esteem regains ground.
Good to know: acupuncture would have beneficial effects on fatigue and muscle tone. It has already proven itself on some patients, who felt better after a few sessions.
5 lifestyle tips
Beware of alcohol, coffee and cigarettes
Alcohol makes it more difficult to coordinate movements and the sense of balance, already altered before an inflammatory flare-up.
Smoking would particularly exacerbate insomnia in people who suffer from MS.
As for caffeine, it irritates the bladder, which promotes urinary incontinence.
Avoid sudden temperature differences
This would trigger or worsen symptoms in some people. Think about it before you go on vacation, and choose your destination wisely.
Against germs, wash your hands often
By taking a few simple precautions, you can avoid catching bacterial or viral infections. Sinusitis or bronchitis, for example, can accentuate fatigue and any infection can promote a relapse.
To rest
Fatigue, one of the most common symptoms, often appears early in the illness. It is therefore important to preserve your energy by agreeing to periods of rest or relaxation, especially before an activity. Lie down, take a nap, it’s all good for you.
food
No diet can currently prevent or slow the progression of MS. A healthy and balanced diet is simply recommended to support the body. But in case of reduced mobility, a low-fat diet is recommended to limit the risk of overweight.