You don’t have to sacrifice the activities you love, even if you are living with Post-Polio Syndrome (PPS). An active life is possible with the right treatment and orthotic support.
Advanced treatment options can help manage symptoms, support joints, and prevent further complications, such as muscle weakness, fatigue, and walking difficulties, which often lead to deformities and reduced mobility.
In this blog, we will discuss PPS, explore orthotic solutions like AFOs, KAFOs, HKAFOs, and polio callipers, toe-walking treatment, and why a post-polio syndrome treatment centre is crucial for long-term care.
What Is Post-Polio Syndrome?
Post-polio syndrome (PPS) collectively refers to worsening muscle weakness and muscle atrophy (loss) that resurges decades after recovery from polio. Post-polio syndrome emerges in previously affected areas by polio.
Symptoms may include:
- Progressive muscle weakness
- Tiredness and lack of stamina
- Muscle pain
- Joint pain
- Spinal curvature
- Breathing and swallowing difficulties.
These symptoms are similar to neurological conditions, so a neurologist can help with diagnosis.
Post-Polio Syndrome Treatment Options
Treatment options include symptom management, various ways to manage complications, and improving mobility:
- Neurological consultation for nerve and muscle health
- Rehabilitation specialists to design exercise programs
- Physiotherapy for mobility and strength training
- Occupational therapy to help with daily activities
- Braces and walking aids
Key Treatment Strategies:
- Easy exercises to improve strength
- Wheelchairs, walkers and supportive devices that prevent exertion
- Orthotic devices to support limbs
- Healthy eating, weight management, and proper sleep
- Prescribed NSAIDs to manage pain
- Speech therapy
- Psychological support
What Is The Role of Orthotics in Post-Polio Syndrome Treatment
Orthotic devices have a critical role in post-polio syndrome treatment. They help:
- Enhance balance, stability and walking
- Check falls and injuries
- Redistribute body weight and decrease fatigue
- Correct deformities, such as foot drop or knee hyperextension
- Allow safer movement with leg support for walking
Common Orthotic Devices for PPS:
AFO (Ankle Foot Orthosis):
- Suitable for weakness and preventing toe-walking
- Maintains foot alignment and prevent tripping
KAFO (Knee Ankle Foot Orthosis):
- Support for the knee, ankle, and foot
- Recommended for severe leg weakness or instability
HKAFO (Hip Knee Ankle Foot Orthosis):
- Extends support to the hip for patients with extensive paralysis
Polio Calipers:
- Traditional yet effective devices to support walking in polio survivors
These devices are customised to each patient for maximum comfort and function.
How Orthotics Help Stop Toe Walking
Toe walking may arise as a probem in children with cerebral palsy and in polio survivors. Neglected, it often, leads to stiff calf muscles, Achilles tendon shortening, and deformities.
Orthotic Treatment for Toe Walking:
- AFO braces for toe walking: Help maintain the foot in a perpendicular position to prevent pointing the toes down.
- SMOs (Supramalleolar Orthoses): Ideal for kids with sensory or stability issues.
- Carbon foot plates: Act like firm insoles to prevent toe walking by limiting foot extension.
- Night splints: Maintain foot position during sleep to improve flexibility.
- Special shoes for toe walkers: Work in combination with orthotic devices to support proper gait.
Surgery may be needed to lengthen the Achilles tendon.
Shoes for Toe Walkers and Post-Polio Patients
The right footwear is essential to manage toe walking. The best shoes for toe walkers should have:
- Have a firm heel counter for ankle stability
- Compatible with AFO or KAFO braces
- Extra cushioning for comfort and shock absorption
- Slip-resistant soles
Custom orthotic-friendly shoes are often recommended by specialists at a post-polio syndrome treatment centre.
Comprehensive Care at a Post-Polio Syndrome Treatment Centre
Specialised treatment centres provide advanced care for PPS patients. They offer:
- Custom orthotic fittings for AFO, KAFO, HKAFO, and polio calipers
- Gait analysis to identify walking challenges
- Physical and occupational therapy sessions
- Education on pacing techniques to prevent fatigue
- Mobility solutions: walkers, and wheelchairs
A supportive team can help patients achieve greater independence and improved quality of life.
Deformities in Poliomyelitis
Polio can lead to severe weakness in muscles, paralysis,and deformities which develop over time from imbalance in muscle strength, cramps and contractures and neglecting early treatment.
Common Deformities:
- Foot Drop which prevents the person to lift the front part of the foot, causing tripping while walking.
- Toe Walking due to a tight Achilles tendon or weak ankle muscles.
- Equinus Deformity, where the persons’ heel is lifted off the ground due to tight calf muscles.
- Knee Hyperextension or the backward bending of knees while walking.
- Leg Length Discrepancy, which is the uneven growth of legs.
- Hip and Spine Deformities:
- Scoliosis or curvature of the spine)
- Pelvic tilt from hip muscle weakness
Management of Poliomyelitis Deformities
Orthotic Devices:
- An AFO (Ankle Foot Orthosis) is used to manage foot drop and toe walking.
- KAFO (Knee Ankle Foot Orthosis) is for managing knee instability.
- Polio Callipers are a support for severe limb weakness.
Physiotherapy:
- Easy exercises for stretching and strengthening.
- Prevents contractures and maintains mobility.
Custom Footwear:
- Shoes for toe walkers to correct gait and provide balance.
Surgical Interventions:
- Tendon lengthening for toe walking.
- Bone correction surgery for severe deformities.
Mobility Aids:
- Walking sticks, crutches, or wheelchairs for safe movement.
Follow-ups:
- Assessment at a post-polio syndrome treatment centre for timely adjustments to braces and care plans.
Cerebral Palsy Orthotics and Other Uses
While PPS is a primary focus, orthotics also benefit other neurological conditions, including cerebral palsy. For children with cerebral palsy, orthotics:
- Improve walking ability
- Prevent toe walking and joint deformities
- Support growth and mobility goals
- Provide support for weak legs for walking safely and confidently
Key Takeaways
- Treatment focuses on symptom management and mobility.
- AFO, KAFO, HKAFO, and polio callipers are essential for stability.
- Toe walking can be corrected with specialised braces and shoes.
- Visiting a post-polio syndrome treatment centre ensures customised care.
- Orthotics also benefit patients with cerebral palsy and other conditions.
Conclusion
Are you struggling with Post-Polio Syndrome, but you don’t have to face it alone? Targeted treatment allows you to take back control of your mobility, prevent further deformities, and live life with confidence and freedom. KARE can be your partner for standard through advanced, custom-made orthotic solutions, such as AFOs, KAFOs, and HKAFOs, as well as polio callipers and footwear for toe-walking.
Your new life can start with just one step. Book your consultation today and give yourself or your loved one confidence and mobility
