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POST POLIO SYNDROME (PPS)

Polio is a viral infection that was prevalent until vaccines were developed to prevent it in the late 1950s.  It caused paralysis for several weeks and then a slow recovery with residual muscle atrophy and replacement of muscle tissue with connective and adipose tissue.  New cases are rarely found at this time. 

Post-Polio Syndrome (PPS) is a condition that strikes polio survivors 10 or more years after their recovery from polio. It is caused by the death of individual nerve terminals in the motor units that remain after the initial polio attack. Symptoms include fatigue, slowly progressive muscle weakness, muscle and joint pain, and muscular atrophy.

The severity of PPS depends upon how seriously the survivors were affected by the first polio attack. Doctors estimate the incidence of PPS at about 25 percent of the survivor population. The only way to be sure a person has PPS is through a neurological examination aided by other laboratory studies (for example, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), neuroimaging, electrophysiological studies, and muscle biopsies or spinal fluid analysis).

Other names or similar foot conditions:

• Poliomyletis

Symptoms:

• Fatigue
• Balance problems
• Falling
• Muscle and joint pain
• Intolerance to pain

Signs to look for:

• Polio survivor
• History of deterioration in lower extremities – pain, new muscle wasting and falling

Possible Causes:

• Initial polio condition
• Death of individual nerve terminals in the motor units that remain after the initial polio attack

Goals:

• Restore balance
• Control motion of the feet
• Improve gait

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 not uncommon to use bracing to get 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:  A. Decker, S. Albert, Contemporary Pedorthics, ninds.nih.gov