Problems with my foot.

Hello all

I have SCA6 and have noticed that over the last few months that my right foot is turning inwards and making walking more difficult and having an impact on my right hip and my back.

I’m waiting so see a Physio so hoping they can help but just wondered if anybody else has experienced this problem.

Who Cares Wins.

[lorrainewalls]

Hi Paul,

Yes, I have this problem and I am not sure why. It feels as if you are tripping over your own feet. I first noticed it it in the late 90's shortly before I was diagnosed with CA unknown. I have seen physios and basically I have been told I have to retrain my brain or words to that effect. You just have to concentrate and "tell your feet" to turn outwards when you are walking. Easier said than done. Good luck with the physio and hope he/she can come up with suitable exercises.

[Hidden in reply to lorrainewalls]

Hi Lorrain

Many thanks for the reply much appreciated. Makes sense I suppose it’s the brain that’s causing the problem in the first place so it’s the brain we need to re-train, not easy though to concentrate all the time when walking, easier said than done probably get run over.

I’ll give it a try and see how I get on.

Take care my friend.

[PatsyIpswich]

I had in-turned right foot as a child [1940's] and was prescribed 'wedges' for my shoes but my parents didnt bother with them so I just 'managed' as children do. However when I reach my late 50's, I started tripping over and asked GP to refer me to surgeon to straighten my foot. It was during recovery that the physio commented on my unusual gait which led to referral to neurologist and eventual diagnosis of cerebellar degeneration. I had surgery on that foot in 2002 and it still hurts. I had one screw removed and one left in but the effect on knee and hip has been very troublesome. I would not recommend surgery ... much less painful to put up with inturned foot. Just need to be careful which I have to do anyway. Hope this helps. x

[Hidden in reply to PatsyIpswich]

Hi Pasty

Thanks for the reply and advice much appreciated. Yeah I don’t think I’d go up the surgery route doesn’t sound like the way to go.

I’m hoping physio helps which I should get sooner or later.

Maybe the self-help route is the best.

Take Care my Friend.

[PatsyIpswich in reply to Hidden]

I recall at some stage over the last 18 years [we have moved home 6 times!] physio referred me to a foot mechanics department that had some orthotic inserts made for me which does help but can also make balance worse. Its very difficult to buy appropriate footwear using inserts and sometimes good marathon trainers are better .. very expensive though.