A stroke, also called a brain attack, occurs when a clot or bursts block a blood vessel to the brain. Where the clot blocks or bursts, that part of the brain cannot get the blood and oxygen it needs and the brain cells in that area begin to die. If not treated quickly, the chemicals released by the stroke will damage surrounding areas, causing increased injury.
A stroke affecting one side will result in neurological complications on the side of the body if affects. If the stroke occurs in the brain’s right side, the left side of the body (and the right side of the face) will be affected, including:
- Paralysis on the left side of the body
- Vision problems
- Quick, inquisitive behavioral style
- Memory loss
If the stroke occurs in the left side of the brain, the right side of the body (and the left side of the face) will be affected, producing some or all of the following:
- Paralysis on the right side of the body
- Speech/language problems
- Slow, cautious behavioral style
- Memory loss
The following are also affected:
Balance: Brain injury during a stroke leaves survivors prone to neuromuscular imbalances. About 40 percent of stroke survivors have serious falls within a year of their stroke.
Toe Curling: Claw toes, and a similar condition called hammertoes are caused by an imbalance of muscles in the feet and toes.
Thalamic and Central Pain Syndrome: Known as thalamic pain and central pain syndrome, some stroke patients have pain that feels as if it “never goes away.”
Other names or similar foot conditions:
- Brain attack
Symptoms:
- Paralysis on one side of the body
- Balance deficiencies
- Toe curling
Signs to look for:
- Diagnosis
- Impaired gait and balance
- Hammer toes, claw toes, etc. on the affected side
Possible Causes:
- Most of the same risk factors as those of heart disease produce strokes
- Neurological damage from the stroke is the cause of the problems with gait, balance and drawing in of the toes and feet.
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
Shoes:
- Extra depth, double or triple depth shoe with high toe box, firm heel counter, rocker sole and connecting shank
- For Smart footwear, stable heel to toe rockers, negative heel footwear or shoes with titanium springs
- Avoid flip-flops. Only wear sandals with a back and only the Orthaheel, Alegria or Aetrex brand
- 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
- Bracing is sometimes necessary
- Compression hosiery products
- Spot stretching with ball and ring stretcher if toes rub on shoe
- Toe cushioning and straightening devices, such as toe separators, toe straighteners, toe caps, toe crests, etc.
Activities:
- Medical treatment
- Regular exercise program that promotes increased strength and circulation in lower extremities
- Regular stretching program for entire body
- Rotation of weight bearing and non-weight bearing exercising, such as walking (weight bearing) with swimming or 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: Strokeassociation.org, stroke.org