Three generations of the Bishop family, natives of Youngstown, have each been afflicted by Charcot-Marie Tooth disease (CMT), a rare genetic illness that damages the nerves and muscles of the lower extremities. It started with 73-year-old Don Bishop, who passed it down to his son Lee. Lee walked strangely growing up and thought he had inherited a tendency to high step at first, but in reality he was compensating for deteriorating Achilles tendons and nerves in his feet.
He in turn gave CMT to his son Nicholas, who is also starting to feel the loss of sensation in his limbs. Although there is no known cure for the disease, Nicholas believes that stem cells might be able to treat it.
Charcot-Marie Tooth disease is one of many types of nerve disorders that can affect the feet and ankles. If you are experiencing a prolonged loss of sensation in your lower extremities, speak to podiatrist Dr. Sorelis Jiménez, DPM of Foot Health Podiatry. Dr. Jimenez can examine the affected area and prescribe an appropriate form of treatment.
Nerve Disorders of the Foot and Ankle
There are two nerve disorders of the foot and ankle called Interdigital Neuroma and Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome. These conditions affect the hands as well, and are caused by stress and genetics. People who suffer from Interdigital Neuroma and Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome are prone to serious pain and inflammation in the area.
Pain that is associated with Interdigital Neuroma is often from local inflammation in the nerves in the front of the foot. Symptoms include pain, burning, and/or tingling sensations of the toes.
There are several steps a doctor will take to determine if one has Neuroma such as: radiographs, MRIs, and bone scans. Surgery is not required in many instances, and should only be considered when the patient is suffering from persistent pain.
Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome is a condition that is less common than Interdigital Neuroma. It only seems to affect patients who have severe ankle pain which begins in the bottom of the foot extending all the way to the calf. In other instances one may encounter partial numbness and atrophy if the cases are extreme.
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If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office, located in New York, NY. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot ankle injuries.
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