Twisted foot

[Shirl]

Hi . Can anyone advise ? Have ALS and now in wheelchair. Past few days right foot is turning in and rolling onto its side making it so difficult to transfer as foot doesn’t want to go flat. My physio currently off ill as need to ask is there some sort of brace to wear which I can buy. Worse after being in bed all night as it just twists inwards on it’s own.
Thanks
Shirl xxx

[Mary C]

Hi Shirl
Are you linked to a hospice?Maybe they could link you to another physio?I find for myself the hospice I am linked to try their hardest to resolve issues.Maybe talk to your OT as he/she might come up with a solution in absence of a physio.
Good Luck
Mary

[Shirl]

Thank you so much Mary. Yes I’ll get in touch with my OT at Marie Curie. Just wondered if this is a common symptom with MND.
Cheers
Shirl x

[Shaun]

Hello shirl , I am still mobile but my toes on right foot curl under when walking (or shuffling as my wife calls it) so probably is a common thing, tendons and muscles all pulling in different directions, I had special insoles made by orthotics, they work when I have shoes on, but I don’t wear shoes in the house, I’m sure orthotics can help, even if they give you a splint to wear at night

[Ellie]

Hi Shirl,

Yes it's common enough for feet to turn in and/or not to 'plant' to the floor - it happens when the lower leg muscle(s) shrink and contract, pulling the foot inwards.

Both my feet are affected, pretty badly now actually, but when it started, I had night splints made, wore braces during the day and also had Botox injections into both calf muscles to relieve contraction - the Botox worked a treat but you need to get the dose spot on so as not to relax the muscle too much.

As others say, you should contact someone about splints/braces - ifthe hospice OT can't offer much and if it's not the Clinic physiotherapist who is away, contact them (if you attend a Clinic, that is!)

Good luck.

Love Ellie.

[Shirl]

Hi Ellie

Thanks for this. I’ve heard before about Botox injections in the calf which sounds very interesting. Yes I’ll ask my OT from Marie Curie on Monday. Could even a massage in the right spot help too I wonder.
Never a dull moment with this new way of life. 😊😊
Love Shirl
x

[Ellie]

Could even a massage in the right spot help too I wonder.

It's worth a try Shirl, for sure. If your lower leg muscles are hard and tight though (especially on the front and outer leg), don't massage too deeply - it can be painful!

[slp]

Hello Shirl
Good to meet you

I have the same problem with my right ankle to the point where I sometimes think it's going to break. I wear a support similar to this one provided by the orthotic centre. It is very comfortable and gives the joint stability

My community Physio is very good at working the joint and shows my son how to move it to try and keep it loose but to be fair it is past much movement

https://www.physioroom.com/product/Ultimate_Performance_Elastic_Ankle_Support_Advanced_Ultimate_Compression_for_Ankle_Injuries/3121/41202.html

all the best x Sarah xx

[Shirl]

Hi Sarah

Thank you so much for advise. Going to give the ankle support a go so have just ordered one. Also will ask about working the joint.

Its great to get advise from the people that have experienced similar problems.

Thank you so much.
Love
Shirl x

[richard]

Hi Shirl

i am under Queen Squre inLindon I was given Matrix Orthosis which are very good. It helps with weak ankles but I’m not so sure it will ‘cure’ a twisted foot. Nevertheless do ask.

Richard

[Ellie]

I was given Matrix Orthosis which are very good.

You won't be ordering one of those online Shirl 😂😂 - they're 300 quid each 😲

[Deb]

Hi Shirl,

I hope you find a solution to this and a suitable foot and ankle support. I think its a question of trial and error with supports so I would be reluctant to spends lots of money .... 300 pounds whats that all about? My physio brought me different ones to try.

My feet often turn, especially in the morning so it is hard to rest them on my wheelchair footplate. They are really sensitive to touch so massage for me is not great but it did help for a while. I am waiting for botox in my toes but was told it was not suitable if you're still walking ( I'm not ) as it might relax muscles too much. I find it amazing how my legs have a mind of their own. I can't move them but in the morning they have moved and changed position.

Hope you find something which works for you.
Love Debbie x

[Ellie]

... it is hard to rest them on my wheelchair footplate. They are really sensitive to touch...

Snap, Debbie.

I need to wrap parts of the footplate with foam so my very non-compliant feet don't get marked.

And massaging the instep of my feet feels like I'm being tortured with hot pokers - needless to say, I don't have foot massages 😏

The joys 😐

[Shirl]

Think you are all right - can’t pay £300. Going to talk to OT,Physio and have Orthotics appointment in a week or so. The joys of my lovely legs 😂
xx

[richard]

For the avoidance of doubt I didn’t pay for them they were given to me at the hospital. I assume therefore that if they are approved by the NHS they should be available for all who need them.

Richard