Lower limb dystonia refers to dystonic movements and postures in the leg, foot, and/or toes. It may also be referred to as focal dystonia of the foot or leg. Individuals often have to adapt their gait while walking or running to compensate for the dystonic symptoms, and/or may require the assistance of mobility devices such as crutches, walkers, or wheelchairs.
Ironically, symptoms of lower limb dystonia may occur while walking forwards, but improve or disappear when walking backwards. Some individuals may be able to temporarily lessen symptoms with a ‘sensory trick’ to another part of the body, such as gently touching the face or head.
- Symptoms
Common symptoms of lower limb dystonia include:
- Foot rolls outward so that the sole faces inward
- Foot or leg turns inward
- Foot points downward
- Extension of big toe
- Toe curling
- A sense of tightness or stiffness in the limb
- Changes in walking or running gait
Dystonia affects men, women, and children of all ages and backgrounds. In children, lower limb dystonia may be an early symptom of an inherited dystonia. In these cases, the dystonia may eventually generalize to affect additional areas of the body. Children with cerebral palsy may have limb dystonia, often with spasticity (muscle tightness and rigidity). Lower limb dystonia in children may be misdiagnosed as club foot, leading to unnecessary orthopedic procedures that can worsen dystonia.
When seen in adults, lower limb dystonia seems to affect women more often than men. Age of onset is typically in the mid-40s. Symptoms may develop after periods of prolonged exercise, for example, long-distance running or long-distance walking. Symptoms are often triggered by running, walking, or standing but may be absent at rest. Electrolyte disturbances and disorders of energy metabolism must be ruled out if symptoms occur only with exertion and fatigue.
Lower limb dystonia is frequently misdiagnosed, sometimes mistaken for other gait disorders, orthopedic and structural conditions, and psychiatric disturbance.
- Cause
For many adults who develop lower limb dystonia, there is no identifiable cause and it is not associated with additional neurological disease.
There are a number of known causes for lower limb dystonia, including brain injury, stroke, or injury to the limb. A fixed position of the foot may suggest that the dystonia was acquired as a result of an injury or underlying cause. Some patients develop a pain syndrome called complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) or reflex sympathetic dystrophy (RSD) after an injury with associated dystonia which is commonly a fixed foot dystonia. However, dystonia can sometimes occur before the onset of the pain syndrome.
In some cases, fixed foot dystonia is a symptom of a functional (psychogenic) movement disorder or functional neurological symptom disorder (conversion disorder). Many people with functional movement disorders experience a mix of motor symptoms including dystonia, tremor, gait disorders, and tics. They may also experience weakness, sensory symptoms, non-epileptic seizures, and other functional neurological symptoms.
Dystonia is not a typical early symptom of Parkinson’s disease but, in rare cases, lower limb dystonia appears to be an early sign of certain parkinsonian conditions. For example, toe pointing or curling triggered by exercise has been documented in individuals ultimately diagnosed with young-onset Parkinson’s disease, which is seen in individuals under the age of 50.
Lower limb dystonia may also occur in the context of generalized dystonia, for example inherited disorders such as early-onset (DYT1) dystonia and dopa-responsive dystonia.
- Treatment
Treatment to lessen dystonia symptoms may require a combination of approaches. The goal of treatment is to improve a person’s ability to function and move more freely. Regular botulinum neurotoxin injections administered by a qualified medical expert are among the most effective therapies to help relax dystonic muscles and alleviate the abnormal movements and postures. Oral medications such as anticholinergics, baclofen, and/or benzodiazepines may also be used for this purpose. Deep brain stimulation surgery may be an option for select patients, especially for inherited dystonia which can progress to generalized dystonia.
Physical therapy and/or occupational therapy may improve overall daily functioning. Part of the treatment plan may involve using orthotics (wearable medical products or devices) to help lessen symptoms and make it easier or more comfortable to walk. Case reports have demonstrated success with using computer-assisted gait analysis to customize an orthotic specific to a patient’s needs. Orthotic options may include ankle brace, toe spreaders, rocker bottom shoes, platform or raised heels, or a combination of these. A light weight ankle foot orthotic (AFO) may worsen dystonia in some and improve walking in others.
Physicians and rehabilitation therapists are beginning to explore the use of wearable stimulation devices to reduce lower limb dystonia with some success. Functional electrical stimulation (FES) devices were originally developed for use in other neurological gait disorders, but may be helpful for select individuals with lower limb dystonia, depending on the nature of the symptoms.
Individuals with dystonia frequently experience co-existing depression and anxiety disorders. Evaluation and treatment for possible mental health disorders may be an important part of a comprehensive treatment plan
- What Type of Doctor Treats Lower Limb Dystonia?
Individuals with dystonia are encouraged to seek treatment from a neurologist with special training in movement disorders. A movement disorder specialist can diagnose—or rule out—lower limb dystonia and assess any possible underlying causes. A team of medical professionals with various specialties may be appropriate to tailor treatment to the specific needs of the individual.
- Living with Lower Limb Dystonia
Adjusting to life with lower limb dystonia can be challenging and require significant changes to a person’s activities and lifestyle, but living well is possible. The early stages of symptom onset, diagnosis, and seeking effective treatment are often the most challenging. Once a treatment plan is established, individuals can find new and innovative ways to stay active and engaged in daily living.
Individuals living with lower limb dystonia are strongly encouraged to:
- Seek treatment from a neurologist who specializes in movement disorders
- Learn about dystonia and treatments
- Develop a multi-layered support system of support groups, online resources, friends, and family
- Seek expert mental health professionals to diagnose and treat possible co-existing depression or anxiety disorders
- Investigate complementary therapies
- Get active within the dystonia community
Thank you to Dystonia Medical Research Foundation (USA) for allowing us to share this information. The DMRF is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to advancing research for improved dystonia treatments and ultimately a cure, promoting awareness, and supporting the well-being of affected individuals and families.