My husband has dementia and lives in a memory care facility. This week, the manager there told me that he has developed ankle inversion (his left ankle is turning outward), which I saw today when I out to visit. A nurse is coming next week to look more closely at his foot and ankle. He is in a wheelchair; he has great difficulty walking and only stands when assisted, to transfer to and from bed or toilet, etc.
He may have Parkinson's, though he has had no formal diagnosis. I have read a bit about dystonia but that seems to be a painful cramping condition. What baffles me is that he says his ankle and foot do not hurt, and they don’t appear to be cramped up. He does sometimes hold his hands in a claw-like position (in his dementia, he thinks he is holding something in his hand), but they do not hurt him either.
When he is being transferred, he tries to put some weight on the bent ankle and won’t (can’t?) place the sole of his foot flat. So, the concern is the ankle might sprain or snap.
I wonder if anyone has experience with a loved one with who is experiencing this ankle inversion as a function of dementia - is it a joint contracture that may increase as his disease progresses? Just looking for insights from this always helpful forum! Thank you.
Footdrop? Could be dystonia as you mentioned? My LO has something like this.. it varies, sometimes appearing as tight cramping of the muscles (mostly without pain) but sometimes only mildly tight. I suspect the muscles have shortened through reduced use & less range of motion. Hand curls in & ankle turns out with great toe pulled up. This appeared after stroke. The Physio is a great help, providing massage & assisted stretches & exercises.
I think you do need a diagnosis?
He may need to have a brace made for his foot.
I would try to BE THERE when the nurse visits. I cannot see how otherwise you will get your questions asked or answered.