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Ankle clonus is a neurological disorder characterized by involuntary muscle contractions in response to stretching. It can cause difficulty walking and is often associated with other neurological symptoms. Treatment depends on the underlying cause and may involve assistive devices or surgery.
An ankle clonus is a movement disorder characterized by involuntary waves of muscle contractions in the ankle that occur in response to stretching of the muscles in and around the ankle. It is usually a sign of a neurological disorder, as the body normally prevents such contractions from occurring. People screened for neurological problems may be tested for ankle clonus, and patients reporting this system may be evaluated for other signs of neurological problems. This will help a doctor arrive at a diagnosis.
A classic method used to test for this condition is to flex the foot upwards and then release it. In a healthy individual, the ankle will return to a normal position. In a person with ankle clonus, there will be a series of five or more uncontrolled muscle contractions and relaxations, causing the ankle to jerk repeatedly. This is a form of reflex tremor, an involuntary movement that occurs in response to a reflex stimulus.
In people with ankle clonus, muscle spasms can interfere with the ability to walk steadily. When the patient puts weight on the affected foot, it may jerk and twitch, throwing the patient off balance and potentially causing a fall. Ankle clonus can be associated with lameness and other abnormal gaits and can also be uncomfortable for the patient, as the spasms can be painful. Repeated sessions of spasms can cause persistent muscle soreness and pain in the patient.
This diagnostic sign rarely occurs on its own. Other symptoms can be used to confirm that a patient has a neurological lesion and to determine the level of the lesion. Sometimes ankle clonus is associated with spinal cord damage, such as can occur following an accident. In other cases, it’s caused by higher-level damage in the brain itself. This condition can be common in people with cerebral palsy and can be seen in other people with damage to areas of the brain that control muscle movement.
The treatments available for a patient with this reflex tremor vary depending on the cause. Some patients find the use of canes, splints, and other assistive devices helpful for stability while walking. Others may benefit from treatments designed to address the damage associated with clonus, such as spinal surgery to address a pinched or damaged nerve. A neurologist is usually involved in the care and patients may also work with other specialist doctors such as rehabilitation therapists.
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