Distal myopathy is a group of rare genetic disorders that cause muscle damage and weakness, predominantly in the hands and/or feet.

Distal myopathy has slow progress therefore the patient may not know that they have it until they are in their late 40s or 50s.

[citation needed] Hereditary inclusion-body myositis type 1[5] In terms of diagnosis, Vocal cord and pharyngeal distal myopathy should be assessed via serum CK levels, as well as muscle biopsy of the individual suspected of being afflicted with this condition[13] As of 2011, no disease modifying treatments are known.

[8] Foot drop can be managed with ankle-foot orthoses or surgical tendon transfer,[8] in which the tibialis posterior muscle is repurposed to function as a tibialis anterior muscle.

[8] In 2024 a drug to treat distal myopathy was approved in Japan.