Foot Drop?

[Scarlett]

I'm worried. I've recently had problems with my hip and lower back- pain on straightening up, pain on bending forwards, sensation of dull ache in my lower left leg when I bend over, left hip clicking when I stand up, and if it doesn't click I can't stand up straight. Tonight i went to rotate my left ankle and I realised I could hardly move it. It has no power. I can't tap my toes on the floor. It is freaking me out. Is this foot drop? What causes it? I have been taking Naproxen for a few days, only 250mg twice a day when the pain was really bad. I am sure this is linked with my bad back/hip/leg but what can I do about it?!!

[calmck]

Do you have diabetes. I had surgery last year and thought my back and hip problems were from epidural. Also had foot drop, scans of hip and back negative. Saw neurologist who recommended a neuro physiotherapist. She has done wonders with twice weekly visits, gradual increase of specific exercises and the use of an electric neuro muscular stimulator but it is hard work, especially the latter as the first two programmes are for three hours and I did each programme for six weeks before going to the last one which is just for 30 minutes. Progress is slow but steady. Good luck

[Ringlet]

I don't want to alarm you but I believe you should seek medical help as soon as possible. The sooner you receive some treatment, the better the outcome will be. Foot drop can be a symptom of severe sciatica, and can involve the peroneal nerve. This needs proper medical attention and may involve using a splint or special boot to support the foot while the nerve heals. Please do not ignore it and hope it goes away. Go and get medical help. The sooner you do so, the better the outcome will be.

[Scarlett]

I will try but how can I get help when I’m self isolating and all the physios and osteos are closed?!

[waterboatman]

Make an appointment with your GP soonest Scarlett. It needs attention as quickly as possible.

[waterboatman]

I should have added that your GP might make a home visit.

[Scarlett]

I’m very worried as I’ve self isolated for 4 weeks now and really could do without someone in the flat, especially who has been around others, but I guess this is an emergency.

[Scarlett]

Calmck any idea who I should insist on seeing? Will speak to my doctor as soon as they open. This is so depressing :/

[waterboatman]

Try not to worry, talk to your GP and listen to what he/she says.

[allenlondon]

My physio is doing video consultations. Your GP should be able to put you in touch with someone similar.

Foot drop is usually where you can’t control your front foot from slapping onto the ground. In my case, other muscles compensated for my impaired tib ant, and gradually I regained foot control.

You will probably need a made-to-measure shaped insole, once the lockdown is lifted.

A

[Peter Pedant]

// I don't want to alarm you but I believe you should seek medical help as soon as possible.//

agreed

you ring up a GP telephonically and say you have back pain and a sudden new foot drop and ask for an appt

[calmck]

My neurologist recommended the physio who has specific training in treating spinal injuries. I also have a brace that goes round the ankle with a part that fits over the tongue of a shoe and the two are joined together with an elastic band and when you walk the foot is lifted up

[Buenchico]

Phone your doctor's surgery (or go online) and book a telephone consulation with your GP. He/she can then make a decision as to the best way forward.

He/she might decide that you do need to visit the surgery for a personal consulation but that shouldn't present any problems. I'm within the 'highly vulnerable' group (due to chemotherapy) but I still had to go to my doctor's surgery for a blood test last week. The place was almost totally deserted and any risk to my health was totally minimal.

Alternatively your doctor might decide that it's a problem which can safely be left until the 'lockdown' is over. By getting a telephone consultation first though, you'll be getting the right advice (which is bound to be better than anyone here can really give you).

Phone the surgery!

[Scarlett]

I phoned! He said whatever I did would be wrong - if I go to hospital I will catch the virus. If I don't, I won't be able to get a scan and get the ball rolling. I spoke to my physio who gave me some simple advice but said that as I can move my foot a small amount, all is not lost. Thank god, she gave me hope at least. And lots of ice on lower back.