Though the polio vaccine has nearly eradicated the polio virus among the populations of industrialized nations, people whose lives were affected by paralytic polio before the vaccine became largely available in the late 1950’s and 1960’s continue to live with after-effects today. The virus, which usually stays in the body for a period of two weeks, can still cause permanent damage. It attacks the nervous system, which in turn causes various muscles to become paralyzed. Even after the virus has left the body, some of these muscle groups never retain the same level of function. This is especially true since the virus tends to attack children whose bodies are still in the process of growing and thus especially vulnerable to muscle paralysis. Muscle groups weakened by polio are unable to work in conjunction with muscle groups that are functioning properly and are often “pulled” to the stronger side leading to difference in limb length, spinal distortions, and various foot deformities. Survivors of polio are known to suffer from several long term foot, limb and spinal deformities such as scoliosis, flat feet, flaccid feet, high arch (also known as cavus arch), hammertoe, bunions, claw toe and corns. Learn more about a few common conditions below: High Arch or Cavus Foot. The paralysis of the anterior tibial muscle group (the shin muscles) can cause a condition characterized by a rigid high arch. These feet may require special orthopedic insoles (orthotics) or shoes with arch supports in order to ensure the comfort and support of cavus feet. Flat Foot. The paralysis the posterior tibial (the calf muscles) causes the arches to sag or fall. Flat foot can often be diagnosed by the “wet footprint test”. The soles of flat feet will rest entirely on the ground and the footprint will appear solid. Sometimes flat foot causes no pain and can be ignored. Other times people with flat foot will attempt to build up their arches by using arch support and practicing various foot exercises. Claw Toe. The uneven pull of the muscles on the toes can sometimes cause certain toes to remain permanently bent. Feet like this may require high heels to accommodate the curled shape of the toes. Shoes with heels actually help the body to retain balance in the way a flat soled shoe cannot.
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