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HUNTINGTON’S DISEASE

Huntington’s disease is a hereditary and progressive brain disorder. It typically begins between the ages of 30 and 45, although there are cases that begin in childhood.  As the disease progresses, concentration and short-term memory diminish and involuntary movements of the head, trunk and limbs increase. Walking, speaking and swallowing abilities deteriorate. Eventually the person is unable to care for him or herself.  Death follows from complications such as choking,

HD affects males and females equally and crosses all ethnic and racial boundaries.  Each child of a person with HD has a 50/50 chance of inheriting the fatal gene. Everyone who carries the gene will develop the disease.  More than a quarter of a million Americans have HD or are "at risk" of inheriting the disease from an affected parent.

Other names or similar foot conditions:

• HDSA
• HD

Symptoms:

• Loss of cognitive abilities, such as memory, concentration and speaking
• Loss of physical abilities, such as increases in involuntary movements, inability to swallow, etc.
• Emotional responses, such as apathy, severe depression, poor social judgment and aggressiveness

Signs to look for:

• Diagnosis and family history
• Loss of cognitive and physical abilities

Possible Causes:

• Inherited gene

Goals:

• Address posture and balance issues
• Control motion of the feet
• Improve gait
• Make footwear for exercise comfortable

Solutions:

Arch Supports:

• Bio-Orthotics Winstep or Sundance exercising support with metatarsal lift

• Lower and thinner arch support with longitudinal and metatarsal support, such as the Bio-Orthotics Journey or Silhouette, for use when shoes cannot accommodate the Winstep or Sundance exercising support

• Extra depth shoes with firm heel counter, full steel shanks and rocker soles

• For exercise, wear shoes with titanium springs

• 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 common to find bracing used to create more stability

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 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 Carole Romig

Sources  Image:  Text:  hdsa.org, kumc.edu