Onset of foot drop without injury

[angel_star45891]

I'm a 23 year old mother of 2 from Ohio. About 8 weeks ago, I woke up one day and was walking strangely. At first, I just kind of shrugged it off thinking maybe I had slept wrong or something. I began tripping, dragging my toes and scuffing them on the floor, and you could see an obvious gait disturbance. I have been to my family doctor, they had an EMG done (waiting on results), started me in physical therapy, and for right now, I just know for certain that I have foot drop in my right foot. I can move my toes but they are sluggish, I can't dorsiflex my foot, I can turn it to the left but not to the right. There is no pain present or change in sensation. There was no injury prior to the onset of my foot drop either. I'm down to only a few causes, neurological disease of some sort or a pinched peroneal nerve. I'm praying it is only a nerve issue but I am frightened at what this could be. Anyone experience anything similar or have any advice, I would greatly appreciate it. Thank you for your time.

[DrNoopurMD]

Hi,
Foot drop can be a muscular disease, or due to pinching of peroneal nerve like you mentioned. It can also be caused by neurological lesion of the sciatic nerve or even the lower back.
The exact cause has to be identified and the underlying condition is treated accordingly. Apart from that regular exercise is prescribed, shoes may be fitted with springs to prevent foot drop. Hope this information is helpful to you!

[angel_star45891]

My gait is describable as the Neuropathic Gait. I step higher to avoid dragging my toes and tripping. I have a hard time keeping up with my almost 2 year old son.