Helping You Move Freely Again with the Right Muscle Care
Hello, I’m Dr. Mitesh Chandarana, a neurologist and movement disorder specialist. I often treat patients who have muscle tightness and stiffness in their hands, legs, or body. This condition is called spasticity — and the good news is, it can be treated.
Whether the cause is stroke, cerebral palsy, brain injury, or spinal cord problem, I offer personalized spasticity management using safe and effective methods — including Botulinum Toxin (Botox) injections.
What Is Spasticity?
Spasticity means that your muscles are stiff or tight, and they resist movement. This happens because the brain or spinal cord is not controlling the muscles properly.
It is not the same as weakness — here, the muscle is too active, pulling the arm or leg into a tight position.
What Causes Spasticity?
Spasticity can happen after:
- Stroke (especially affecting one side)
- Cerebral Palsy (children or adults)
- Brain injury (accident, trauma, or infection)
- Spinal cord injury
- Multiple Sclerosis or other neurological diseases
The stiffness can develop slowly over weeks or months.
How Do I Know If I Have Spasticity?
You or your family may notice:
- Tight arm or leg that doesn’t relax
- Fingers or toes curling or bending inward
- Difficulty opening hand or straightening leg
- Pain while stretching muscles
- Clothes are hard to wear due to limb posture
- Difficulty walking or using the hand
- Legs crossing or dragging while walking
How I Manage Spasticity
As a spasticity specialist, I don’t use a one-size-fits-all method. I first do a full neurological evaluation to understand:
- Which muscles are tight
- What your goals are (walking, dressing, feeding, etc.)
- What treatments you’ve tried
- Whether Botox is suitable for you
1. Physical Therapy Support
Regular stretching, movement, and exercises help prevent permanent stiffness. I usually advise home-based or therapist-guided physiotherapy.
2. Oral Medicines
Some tablets can help relax muscles, like:
- Baclofen
- Tizanidine
- Clonazepam
But these may cause sleepiness or weakness. That’s why I use them carefully, often with physical therapy.
3. Botulinum Toxin (Botox) Injections
This is the most effective treatment for localized spasticity (one arm or one leg). Botox:
- Relaxes overactive muscles
- Improves posture and range of motion
- Reduces pain and stiffness
- Helps in dressing, feeding, and hygiene
- Prepares for better physiotherapy
I have helped many post-stroke and cerebral palsy patients through Botox injections. I inject only the muscles that are overactive — using very fine needles, often with EMG guidance to increase accuracy.
4. Assistive Devices
Sometimes, I suggest:
- Splints or braces to maintain position
- Wheelchair adjustments for better posture
- Shoe supports for foot drop
5. Surgery (in rare cases)
If spasticity is severe and not responding, surgery may be considered. I work closely with rehab and ortho teams when needed.
Why Is Early Treatment Important?
If spasticity is not treated early:
- Muscles and joints become fixed
- Daily tasks become harder
- Pain increases
- Quality of life reduces
I’ve seen great results when we start early, before contractures set in.
Who Can Benefit from Botox for Spasticity?
You may benefit if:
- You’ve had a stroke and can’t open your hand or bend your elbow
- Your child with cerebral palsy has tight legs or arms
- Walking is hard due to leg stiffness
- You feel muscle pain or tightness daily
- Dressing, feeding, or cleaning is difficult due to limb posture
What to Expect from Botox Injections
- Takes 10–20 minutes in OPD
- Starts working in 3–5 days
- Full effect in 10–14 days
- Lasts for 3–4 months
- Can be repeated safely
- I adjust doses based on progress
Most of my patients say it makes daily life much easier.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. Is spasticity curable?
Spasticity is manageable, not always curable. But with proper treatment, you can move better and feel less pain.
Q2. Is Botox safe for children with cerebral palsy?
Yes, when done by experienced doctors like me, Botox is safe and effective for both children and adults.
Q3. Will I need Botox forever?
Maybe, maybe not. Some patients improve so much that they don’t need it again. Others take it every 3–4 months. It depends on your progress.
Q4. Does Botox make muscles weak?
I inject only the tight muscles and keep the dose safe. If used properly, Botox helps without major weakness.
Q5. Can I walk better after Botox?
Yes — if the tightness is blocking your walking, relaxing the muscles can make it easier to walk and do physiotherapy.
Let’s Reduce Your Stiffness Together
If you or your loved one is struggling with tight muscles, stiff arms or legs, or post-stroke pain, let’s talk. As a spasticity management doctor, I can guide you with care, patience, and the right treatment plan.
Book Your Appointment Today
📞 Call: 8866843843
📍 Medisquare Superspeciality Hospital, Ahmedabad
