Polio is a viral infection that was prevalent until vaccines were developed to prevent it in the late 1950s. It caused paralysis for several weeks and then a slow recovery with residual muscle atrophy and replacement of muscle tissue with connective and adipose tissue. New cases are rarely found at this time. Post-Polio Syndrome (PPS) is a condition that strikes polio survivors 10 or more years after their recovery from polio. It is caused by the death of individual nerve terminals in the motor units that remain after the initial polio attack. Symptoms include fatigue, slowly progressive muscle weakness, muscle and joint pain, and muscular atrophy.
The severity of PPS depends upon how seriously the survivors were affected by the first polio attack. Doctors estimate the incidence of PPS at about 25 percent of the survivor population. The only way to be sure a person has PPS is through a neurological examination aided by other laboratory studies (for example, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), neuroimaging, electrophysiological studies, and muscle biopsies or spinal fluid analysis).
Other names or similar foot conditions:
- Poliomyletis
Symptoms:
- Fatigue
- Balance problems
- Falling
- Muscle and joint pain
- Intolerance to pain
Signs to look for:
- Polio survivor
- History of deterioration in lower extremities – pain, new muscle wasting and falling
Possible Causes:
- Initial polio condition
- Death of individual nerve terminals in the motor units that remain after the initial polio attack
Goals:
- Restore balance
- Control motion of the feet
- Improve gait
How We Help:
Arch Supports:
- BioOrthotics exercising support with metatarsal lift
- Lower and thinner arch support with longitudinal and metatarsal support for use when shoes cannot accommodate the BioOrthotics exercising support
- Custom arch supports may be necessary since feet are different shapes
Shoes:
- Extra depth, double or triple depth shoe with high toe box, firm heel counter, rocker sole and connecting shank. Leg length differences should be addressed through external lift
- Custom shoes may be necesssary
- For Smart footwear, wear shoes with titanium springs and have leg length differences addressed through external lift
- Avoid flip-flops. Only wear sandals with a back and only the Orthaheel, Alegria or Aetrex brand with external lift for the shorter leg
- Stop wearing wear pumps and high heels
- Go barefoot on a minimal basis only
Other:
- Where the above shoes and arch supports do not provide enough stability, wedging and flares may be necessary
- It is not uncommon to use bracing to get more stability
Activities:
- Medical treatment
- Regular exercise program that promotes increased strength and circulation in lower extremities
- Rotation of weight bearing and non-weight bearing exercising, such as walking (weight bearing) with swimming and bicycling (non-weight bearing)
This information does not constitute a diagnosis of your condition and does not take the place of a doctor’s care. The information has been compiled from sources available to the general public and referenced below. Copyright 2005-2010 Carole Romig
Sources Image: Text: A. Decker, S. Albert, Contemporary Pedorthics, ninds.nih.gov