[Stacy2012]

Ok I know this is odd, and maybe not worth mentioning, but I have a feeling it can't be good.

I stretch out before/after I exercise and one is the leg straight, pointing toes straight up to stretch leg muscle, then point toes and foot forward. For some reason I curled my toes in like a fist...and here is the odd part...my left foot had a hard time doing it.

So i tried harder since it seemed weird. Why can't I curl my left foot toes into a fist? Them toe muscles quivered like crazy while trying to curl them, but mostly just the big toe and the one next to it. Those two toes simply did not,could not bend inward. The more I tried the more it quivered. So I sorta "helped" it by bending my toe in for my muscle, which helped stop some of the quiver.

Meanwhile. the right foot had no problem.

What would this mean? It seems scary in that...it means I am losing muscle control?

[ChaucerFan]

No answer to supply--just another "me too" kind of comment. I haven't had Stacy2012's problem but have also wondered how to tell when muscle control is lost -- specifically, as opposed to lack or loss of muscle strength.

[Susanne C.]

Stacy, I am not sure of all the details of your condition, but yes, muscle loss due to neuropathy presents exactly as you describe. I cannot curl or move the toes on either foot, and trying to do so results in painful muscle spasms. Mine is progressive, with visible wasting of the muscles in my feet and hands.

If it is any consolation, it is usually a slow progression.

[Stacy2012]

That is what I was afraid of :'(

Does it help to exercise the muscle, like keep doing curl crunches with my toes? I have noticed the more I do it, the less the muscle will quiver. Will it help build muscle strength, keep it from getting worse??

[Susanne C.]

Originally Posted by Stacy2012

That is what I was afraid of :'(

Does it help to exercise the muscle, like keep doing curl crunches with my toes? I have noticed the more I do it, the less the muscle will quiver. Will it help build muscle strength, keep it from getting worse??

If it doesn't cause pain it probably can't hurt and may help. In my case (CMT) muscle loss is irreversible, but I would still try flexing my toes if it didn't cause sharp pain. If you start to have increased symptoms i would stop. I do believe that moderate hiking helps slow down the process or preserve what strength I have left in parts of my legs, and this could be similar.

[Dr. Smith]

Stacy, I've had that come & go many times since I've had PN.
Right now they're curling pretty good, but I've been trying to walk a bit more. Shortly after a flare or walking they may "stiffen" up, but usually improve within a few days. Hang in there.

Doc

[Stacy2012]

That is good to hear!!!

It is probably in my mind but I feel better when I exercise it, like it makes the muscle stronger. When I practice it, the muscle gets better and does not quiver so much which in turn makes me "theoretically" feel better, lol.

Something so scary to look and see those two toes, esp. the one next to the big one stick straight out when the rest can bend.

Ok. Im crazy.

[Susanne C.]

Originally Posted by Stacy2012

That is good to hear!!!

It is probably in my mind but I feel better when I exercise it, like it makes the muscle stronger. When I practice it, the muscle gets better and does not quiver so much which in turn makes me "theoretically" feel better, lol.

Something so scary to look and see those two toes, esp. the one next to the big one stick straight out when the rest can bend.

Ok. Im crazy.

Not crazy at all, it is exactly how it works!