Knee and Ankle Problems That Turned Out to Be an Early Sign of MND

Aching knees and ankles are easy to dismiss. People often blame an old sports injury, long hours on their feet, getting older or simply being tired. But when pain is accompanied by unexplained weakness, repeated trips or difficulty lifting a foot, it may be worth speaking to a doctor.

The experience of 33-year-old Thomas Hynes highlights why persistent changes in mobility should not always be brushed aside. As reported by The Sun on August 20, 2026, Thomas initially believed his knee and ankle problems were relatively ordinary. He delayed seeking medical help, despite encouragement from his wife, until his symptoms began interfering with everyday activities.

He was eventually diagnosed with motor neurone disease, or MND, in November 2023, aged 31.

A problem that initially seemed ordinary

Thomas reportedly began experiencing difficulties with his legs and walking. His symptoms eventually included foot drop, a condition in which the front of the foot becomes difficult to lift.

At first, the symptoms were not immediately recognised as being linked to MND. He underwent physiotherapy after an initial medical assessment, but his condition continued to deteriorate.

Over the following months, doctors carried out numerous investigations, including scans and blood tests, as they tried to establish what was causing the worsening mobility problems.

The diagnosis was eventually confirmed as MND.

Thomas has since experienced severe progression of the disease and now requires significant support with breathing, communication and mobility. His wife, Jade, has also become his primary caregiver.

His story is a reminder that symptoms involving movement can sometimes require further investigation, particularly when they continue or become progressively worse.

What is motor neurone disease?

Motor neurone disease is a neurological condition that affects the nerves responsible for controlling movement. These nerves, known as motor neurones, gradually stop working properly, causing muscles to become weaker over time.

According to the NHS, MND is usually life-shortening and there is currently no cure. However, treatment and specialist support can help manage symptoms and maintain quality of life.

MND affects people differently. Some individuals initially develop weakness in their hands, while others notice problems affecting their legs or feet.

Early symptoms can include muscle weakness, stiffness, cramps, spasms and muscle twitching. Weakness in the legs may make walking more difficult, while weakness in the feet can result in repeated trips or a condition known as foot drop.

Importantly, these symptoms do not automatically mean someone has MND. Many common and treatable conditions can cause similar problems.

When should leg or foot symptoms be checked?

Occasional ankle pain after exercise or a minor injury is usually very different from unexplained symptoms that continue to worsen.

The NHS advises people to speak to a GP if they experience persistent weakness in the legs or feet, difficulty gripping objects, or muscle twitches or cramps that continue or do not settle.

Some symptoms that deserve medical attention include:

• Persistent or unexplained weakness in a leg or foot
• Repeatedly tripping or falling
• Difficulty climbing stairs that is new or getting worse
• Difficulty lifting the front of the foot
• Ongoing muscle twitching or cramping
• Increasing difficulty walking or maintaining balance
• Weakness that gradually spreads to other parts of the body

Seeking medical advice does not mean that MND is suspected. These symptoms can have many different causes. A GP can assess the problem and decide whether further tests or referral to a specialist are appropriate.

Why can MND be difficult to diagnose?

MND can be challenging to identify during its early stages because some symptoms overlap with other conditions.

The NHS explains that investigations may include blood tests, nerve tests and MRI scans, among other assessments. A neurologist may become involved if MND is suspected.

There is no single test that can simply confirm MND. Doctors generally consider a person's symptoms, examination findings and test results while also ruling out other possible explanations.

This can make the period before diagnosis particularly stressful for patients and their families.

Thomas described undergoing numerous tests before doctors reached a diagnosis. His experience illustrates how a seemingly straightforward mobility problem can sometimes become a much more complicated medical investigation.

What treatment is available?

There is currently no cure that reverses MND. However, that does not mean there is no support available.

Treatment is usually focused on managing symptoms, maintaining independence and improving quality of life. Depending on a person's needs, this may involve physiotherapy, occupational therapy, speech and language support, nutritional advice, mobility equipment and breathing assistance.

The medicine riluzole is licensed in the UK for MND and can modestly slow disease progression for suitable patients. The MND Association says its benefit is limited, but it may extend survival by several months in some people.

Support can also extend to communication technology and equipment designed to make daily activities safer and easier.

The wider impact of MND

MND does not only affect physical movement. As the condition progresses, some people experience difficulties with speech, swallowing and breathing. Others may require wheelchairs, specialist equipment or assistance with everyday tasks.

The emotional impact can also be considerable for both the person diagnosed and their family.

For carers, the practical responsibilities can increase substantially as mobility and communication become more difficult. This is why specialist MND services and wider healthcare support are important throughout the illness.

The MND Association provides information and resources for people living with MND, as well as families and carers.

The important message about persistent symptoms

Thomas's experience should not be interpreted as meaning that knee or ankle pain is normally a sign of MND. It is not.

Most people with ordinary joint or muscle pain will not have a progressive neurological condition. However, persistent weakness, repeated falls, foot drop or unexplained changes in mobility should not simply be ignored.

If a symptom is getting worse, interfering with walking or appearing alongside other unexplained neurological changes, arranging an appointment with a GP is a sensible step.

Early medical assessment may help identify a wide range of possible causes and ensure appropriate treatment or referral.

For Thomas, what initially appeared to be a relatively minor mobility problem ultimately became the first indication of a devastating neurological diagnosis. His story also underlines the importance of listening to changes in the body and seeking professional advice when something does not feel right.

Sources

• The Sun, “I put off seeing GP for knee and ankle pain as I married & started a family”, published August 20, 2026.
• NHS, “Motor neurone disease (MND)”.
• MND Association, “What is Motor Neurone Disease?”
• MND Association, “Treatments and medication”.

Disclaimer: This article is for general information only and is not a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Knee, ankle or foot symptoms can have many causes and do not necessarily indicate motor neurone disease. Anyone concerned about persistent, worsening or unexplained symptoms should speak with a qualified healthcare professional. Do not stop or start medication based solely on information in this article.