I developed an issue with my left foot about a week ago. When I walk, my toes will drag if I am not very conscious about flexing my toes up. It is getting to be more than just a nuisance. I am able to run, but again have to be very concious about my toes on my left foot. No issues with my right foot. No issues when barefoot or in crocs for some reason. I’ve almost tripped at work several times, and am getting worried about what could be causing this. I don’t seem to have any muscle weakness. A quick internet search reveals all sorts of causes including MS and ALS. Any ideas out there?
I have permanent foot drop on my right side from sciatic nerve damage. L4/L5 and L5/S1, bulging and went undiagnosed then when they ruptured by the time they went in for the discectomy the damage had been done. Any back issues in your past? My foot drop didn’t really become noticeable until I rehabbed enough to where I was doing normal day to day things.
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Thanks. No, haven’t had any back issues. Nothing that would make me believe I have any nerve issues either.
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I’d get to a doctor sooner than later. This could be a whole host of things. No one with a serious condition was ever happy they waited longer before going to see the doctor…
similar situation here, for five years. Went for full MS workups, spinal/brain/limb MRIs, nerve conduction tests, etc. Nothing conclusive.
Finally, a month ago I had surgery for it - decompression of the pereneal nerve at the fibular head (behind and alongside the knee). The nerve was freed from surrounding tissues, easy surgery with a week’s recovery time. It gave me about 50% more utility, which I’m happy to take. The doc said I had very tight fascia, so essentially it was/is a compression issue.
If your symptoms don’t improve, and get worse with an uptick in training this might be an avenue to explore.
good luck hope you get it sorted out!
do you sit with your legs crossed? Do you rest your leg against your driver’s side door and have any pressure on the side of your leg from a window lever, etc? Have you applied Ice to the outside of your knee or leg and left it on for a long duration?
There are several non disease causes for nerve damage that could affect your leg.
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Yep. Crossing over your legs will impinge the nerve. I had to stop doing that.
-Robert
Yes. I do cross my legs quite a bit. Thanks for the input.
I’ll second what other folks said about seeing a doc ASAP. I had severe foot drop last year as a result of a lumbar herniated disc. While the Dr cared about the pain I was having, what really got the Dr’s attention was the foot drop symptom; they were super worried that if it wasn’t resolved quickly there would be permanent loss of function. Hope you figure it out and get better.
Thanks. I’m trying to get an appointment with a neurologist now, but looks like I may have to see my GP first and get a referral.
OK, so after being seen by my GP and being referred to a Neurologist I have had the following:
Nerve Conduction Study: Normal
Blood Work: Normal
Brain MRI: Normal
Lower Back MRI: “L4 Nerve Root Enlargement”
Neurologist is sending me to Physical Therapy. My therapist says the “enlargement” could be inflammation from being irritated due to poor posture/muscle weakness in the lower back. Everything I am seeing on-line is pretty much in agreement with this being a posibility, but I want to make sure nothing is being overlooked. I just had my initial PT evaluation, and will begin visits 2 times per week this week.
Does anyone have any experience to help me better understand the MRI evaluation? I am wondering if I need to see another doc for a second opinion, but don’t know if I should see another Neurologist or a different specialist. Any input would be appreciated.