Why is my foot curling inward, causing pain at 21?

Question

Hello, Doctor,

I am 21 years old, and for the past three months, my foot curls inward without warning, causing sharp pain that makes walking extremely difficult. It started occasionally, but now happens multiple times daily and is affecting my college attendance. My general physician said it was muscle cramps and prescribed basic pain relief, which has done absolutely nothing.

Nobody has mentioned dystonia or any neurological cause yet, and I feel like something serious is being completely overlooked.

Why does my foot curl painfully when I try to move it at 21?
What specialist should I be seeing?
What tests would actually identify what is happening to me?

Kindly help.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I read your query and can understand your concern.

Your symptoms are not typical of simple muscle cramps. Repeated inward curling of the foot with pain, especially worsening over time, suggests a possible neurological cause, most commonly a movement disorder such as dystonia.

In dystonia, muscles contract involuntarily, leading to twisting or abnormal postures. The foot turning inward with difficulty in walking fits this pattern, especially at your age.

Another possibility is never-related irritation or muscle overactivity, but the repetitive, patterned curling strongly points more towards dystonia rather than simple cramps.

You should consult a neurologist, preferably one with experience in movement disorders. This is important because early diagnosis can significantly improve control.

For evaluation, I suggest the following tests,

MRI of the brain (and sometimes the spine) is done to rule out structural causes.
EMG (electromyography), which helps study abnormal muscle activity.
Basic blood tests (calcium, magnesium, B12) are also checked.

Sometimes, this condition can be task-specific or triggered by walking, and a detailed clinical examination itself gives the diagnosis.

Treatment is available, and it depends on the cause. The treatment options include

Medications that relax abnormal muscle activity, and in some cases, botulinum injections, give excellent relief.
Do not ignore this or continue only with painkillers.

Your symptoms are real and need proper neurological evaluation, not just symptomatic treatment. This condition is usually manageable once correctly diagnosed.

I hope this information helps you.

Feel free to ask further queries.

Thank you.