bone, joint, and muscle disorders
Neurogenic Arthropathy
Introduction
Neurogenic arthropathy is caused by progressive joint destruction, often very rapid, that develops because people cannot sense pain, continually injure joints, and thus are not aware of the early signs of joint damage. Neurogenic arthropathy results from an underlying disorder that affects the nerves, such as diabetes and stroke. People develop neurogenic arthropathy because they cannot feel injuries that damage their joints. Typical symptoms include stiffness, fluid, and pain in the joints. The diagnosis is based on x-rays. Treatment of the underlying nerve disorder and stabilization of joints and fractures, and sometimes surgery, can help slow disease progression and reduce pain. Any joint can be affected depending on where the nerve damage is located. The most commonly affected joints are The knee and ankle In people who have diabetes, the joints in the foot Often, only one area is affected, such as the foot and ankle, and usually not more than two or three joints. 