Strength in Motion: Understanding Multiple Sclerosis and the Role of Orthopedics

March is Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Awareness Month, a time dedicated to raising awareness about a complex neurological condition that affects nearly one million people in the United States. While Multiple Sclerosis is primarily known as a disease of the nervous system, its effects are often felt throughout the musculoskeletal system as well—making orthopedic care an important part of helping patients maintain mobility, strength, and independence.

For many individuals living with MS, movement becomes both a challenge and a powerful tool for maintaining quality of life.

What Is MS?

MS is a chronic autoimmune disease that affects the central nervous system, including the brain and spinal cord. In MS, the immune system mistakenly attacks the protective covering of nerve fibers called myelin, disrupting communication between the brain and the rest of the body.

Because the nervous system controls movement, sensation, and coordination, damage to these nerve pathways can affect how muscles function and how the body moves. MS is considered unpredictable. Symptoms can vary widely from person to person, and individuals may experience periods of relapses followed by periods of remission.

Common Symptoms of MS

The symptoms of MS depend on which nerves are affected and how much damage has occurred. Some people experience mild symptoms, while others may have more significant challenges with mobility.

Common symptoms include:

• Muscle weakness
• Numbness or tingling in the arms or legs
• Difficulty with balance and coordination
• Fatigue
• Muscle stiffness or spasms
• Trouble walking
• Vision problems

Because MS often affects strength, stability, and movement, many patients experience orthopedic-related issues over time, including joint strain, muscle imbalance, or increased risk of falls.

Orthopedics & MS

While MS itself is treated by neurologists, orthopedic specialists and rehabilitation teams often play an important supporting role in helping patients stay active and mobile. Muscle weakness, altered gait patterns, and balance challenges can place additional stress on joints—particularly the hips, knees, and ankles. Over time, this can contribute to joint pain, instability, and musculoskeletal injuries.

Orthopedic care can help address these challenges through:

• Physical therapy and strengthening programs
• Bracing or supportive devices to improve stability
• Evaluation and treatment of joint pain or injuries
• Fall prevention strategies
• Collaborative rehabilitation planning

Maintaining musculoskeletal health is critical for individuals living with MS, as staying active can help preserve mobility, improve balance, and support overall well-being.

Living an Active Life with MS

Although MS can present physical challenges, many people continue to lead active and fulfilling lives with the right care and support. Advances in treatment—including disease-modifying therapies, rehabilitation strategies, and personalized exercise programs—have helped many individuals manage symptoms and maintain independence for decades after diagnosis. 

Movement remains one of the most powerful tools for managing MS. Activities like walking, stretching, strengthening exercises, and low-impact fitness programs can help improve endurance, mobility, and joint health.

Orthopedic specialists and physical therapists often work alongside neurologists to develop safe movement strategies that support long-term musculoskeletal health.

Finding Strength:  Chris Wright’s MS Story

Stories of resilience often help bring awareness to the realities of living with MS. One powerful example is basketball player, Chris Wright, whose journey with Multiple Sclerosis has inspired many in the MS community. Despite his diagnosis, Wright has continued to pursue physically demanding challenges, demonstrating that an MS diagnosis does not have to define a person’s limits. His story highlights the importance of perseverance, adaptive training, and the support of healthcare professionals who understand the physical demands of living with a neurological condition. For many individuals with MS, stories like Wright’s offer encouragement that strength, activity, and resilience are still possible.

Moving Forward with Awareness

MS Awareness Month is a reminder that conditions affecting the nervous system often have far-reaching impacts on the rest of the body—including the bones, joints, and muscles that support movement. Through collaboration between neurology, orthopedics, and rehabilitation specialists, patients with MS can receive comprehensive care that supports both neurological health and physical mobility. Understanding MS is the first step toward supporting those who live with it—and helping ensure that every patient has the resources they need to continue moving forward with strength and confidence.