Motor Neuropathy: What's That?

Today's short post from diabetes.co.uk (see link below) may clear up some confusion among neuropathy patients, who hear various labels attached to their condition but aren't sure what they mean, or how they're different to other forms of neuropathy. In this case, if 'motor neuropathy' is your diagnosis then you may learn something by reading the definition described below. However, a diagnosis of motor neuropathy is just a beginning and you may need to press your doctor for much more information as your treatment begins and do your own research. You may also find that the term 'motor neuropathy' can also be called something else but bear in mind that motor neuropathy is different to sensory neuropathy, even if the symptoms are very similar. It's confusing and that's why information pieces like this one are useful.

Motor Neuropathy 
diabetes.co.uk 
 
Motor neuropathy can most likely affect the hands, feet, legs and arms

Motor neuropathy occurs if the motor nerves which control muscle movements become damaged.

As with sensory neuropathy, the parts of the body most likely to be affected are the feet, hands, legs and arms.

Motor neuropathy can affect our body's ability to co-ordinate movements, particularly with regard to walking which can lead to a form of foot deformity known as Charcot foot. 

Symptoms of motor neuropathy

The symptoms of motor neuropathy may include:
Muscle weakness
Loss of control of co-ordination
Muscle twitching
Muscle paralysis
Complications of motor neuropathy

Weakness in the muscles of the foot and loss of co-ordination can lead to unbalanced pressure being exerted on the ankle when we walk.

People with neuropathy may not notice that they are walking differently as neuropathy often results in diminished sensitivity to pain.

If unbalanced pressure is exerted over a period of time it can lead to sprains, which can go unnoticed in people with neuropathy.

If further pressure is applied to the foot, through continued walking, this can lead to further bone dislocation and fractures, resulting in a deformation of the foot known as Charcot foot.

http://www.diabetes.co.uk/diabetes-complications/motor-neuropathy.html