What are the symptoms? Expand Symptoms of lower limb dystonia include: twisting or turning of the foot foot points downward extension of big toe toe curling a sense of tightness or stiffness in the limb changes in walking or running gait tremor pain Stress and anxiety are known to exacerbate the symptoms.
Who does it affect? Expand In children and young adults, muscle spasms in the foot or leg can be an early sign of a generalised (whole body) dystonia. In focal foot dystonia (dystonia that only affects the foot) symptoms generally appear between the ages of 30 and 50.
What are the causes? Expand There are a number of known causes for lower limb dystonia including: brain injury stroke injury to the limb
What are the most common treatments? Expand Botulinum toxin injections Oral medication Physiotherapy Self-help techniques
How will it affect my life? Expand You may need to find ways to adapt and might have to learn new ways to complete everyday tasks. However, it is possible to live well with the condition and Dystonia UK is here to support you through all stages including initial onset, diagnosis, finding treatment and beyond. You may find these coping techniques helpful: Some people find the 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.