Motor Neurone Disease (MND)
Motor neurone disease (MND) is a condition which affects the function of the brain and spinal cord. There are many different types of MND and they can affect individuals very differently with a range of symptoms, which progress at varying speeds. In particular it affects the nerves called the motor neurones which pass signals to the muscles to initiate movement.
What causes Motor Neurone Disease?
There is no known cause for MDN, however there are a number of factors that may provide a possible link, these are;
- Genetic susceptibility
- Infection
- Trauma
- Immune system attacking own cells
- Exposure to toxins
- Exposure to chemicals
What are the symptoms of MND?
The most common symptoms are;
- Tip and falls - this is caused by a weakness in lifting the foot up when walking
- Clumsiness
- Muscle aches and cramps
- Fatigue
- Weight loss
- Slurred speech
- Difficulties swallowing
- Emotional changes - ie crying or laughing at unusual times
How can Liverpool Orthotics help with the treatment of Motor Neurone Disease?
Motor Neurone Disease can progress at different speeds for each individual. Orthotic treatment is often required to;
- Maintain mobility as long as possible
- Assist weak muscles
- Assist weak joints
- Provide comfort and support when in a wheelchair
- Reduce muscle cramps
- Improve posture
Liverpool Orthotics provide a range of market leading solutions for the treatment of MND including;
Foot Drop / Drop foot supports - Trip and falls are a common symptom of MND. This is due to weakness in the muscles responsible for clearing the foot when walking. Liverpool Orthotics provide a range of custom and ‘off the shelf’ foot drop solutions that can help assist the weaker muscles. These orthotic devices can be made from thermoplastic, carbon fibre, silicon or synthetic softer materials.
AFO’s (Ankle Foot Orthotics) - AFO’s can be an effective solution to provide stability caused by muscle weakness to the ankle and foot joints. AFO’s are often custom made to offer support to a specific area of the ankle or foot. AFO’S can be used to facilitate safe mobilising and standing.
Neck Support - Unfortunately, weakening neck muscles is a common symptom of MDN and can often lead to a poor head position. This can make simple tasks such as eating, drinking and holding the head up very challenging and uncomfortable. Liverpool Orthotics provide every custom made and ‘off the shelf’ neck bracing solution to assist the weak neck muscles, improve head position and reduce painful symptoms.
HeadUp orthosis - the Head Up orthosis is a neck collar that was specifically designed for MND patients. It is a unique, adjustable collar that can be easily adapted by the patient or carer to offer more support as the disease progresses. Liverpool Orthotics are able to consider this collar when treating patients who have MDN.
Wrist braces - Muscle weakness at the wrists can reduce hand function and reduce independence. Liverpool Orthotics provide a range of wrist support to assist weak wrist muscles to enable hand function.
Knee braces - Weakness to the muscles that support the knee can cause falls and reduce confidence when mobilising. Liverpool Orthotics provide a range of knee braces to provide stability to the knees to maintain safe levels of mobility for as long as possible.
Ankle support - Liverpool Orthotics provide a range of custom and ‘off the shelf’ ankle supports to help with ankle instability caused by MND.
Insoles - Foot problems are common in the early stages of MDN. This is due to a weakness in the supporting foot and ankle muscles. Insoles can fit inside commercial footwear and can be a simple solution to enable pain free mobility. Liverpool Orthotics provide a range of ‘off the shelf’ and custom made orthotics insoles to resolve any foot and ankle issue caused by MDN.
Stretching devices - Muscle cramps are a common symptom with MDN and they can be very painful and debilitating. Liverpool Orthotics provide custom and ‘off the shelf’ stretching devices that can be worn during the day or a night to relieve cramps.
What is the process to booking an appointment?
Liverpool Orthotics provides comprehensive treatment of Motor Neurone Disease. Our HCPC and BAPO registered orthotists have vast experience working with MND patients and understand the issues that will need to be addressed as the disease progresses.
We can provide assessments at home, work or in one of our accessible clinics. We are also happy to work closely with families, carers and other therapists where required.
To arrange an appointment call Liverpool Orthotics now on 0330 088 3949, or email us at office@liverpool-orthotics.co.uk