Foot drop pain by Lindamelinda

[Lindamelinda]

I developed foot drop in my right foot approximately 15 years ago! It was caused by a herniated disc in L five s one. About six years ago I Experienced Excruciating pain in my drop foot! It felt like an electrical shock every minute or so and it lasted about three seconds. I went to the emergency room and they told me I had cellulitis And prescribed vicodin and penicillin. I am experiencing the same symtoms again But after reading some post related to foot drop pain I am wondering if it's not in neuropathy that I have? I Appreciate any feedback. Thank you. Btw, I am a 64 year old female!

[Tuckamore]

Linda,

Being without Medical Insurance is a very difficult place to be!  So sorry you have to face that challenge! Let's hope you can remain healthy until that Medicare eligibilty date! 0:)

I am sure you know about good foot care and it's important to follow those guidelines, especially now. Sometimes, indeed often you can do nothing to avoid Cellulitis.

Maintaining good circulation in the effected limb will be helpful. You should  find that elevating the limb as often as you can and still remain active, (without over-doing) shoud be beneficial.

I hope you'll keep in touch.

Take Care,
~Tuck

[Lindamelinda]

Thank you so much for your response. I found it very helpful and informative!  I took a strong antibiotic along with some pain meds and am pretty much pain free as I write this.  I will follow up with a medical professional to see what steps can be taken to lessen the chances of another episode. Being without medical insurance, and just months away from medicare is not the best place to be!;-)   Thaznks again!          Linda

[Tuckamore]

Hi Linda,

Welcome to the Pain Management Forum. I am sorry to hear about your struggles with foot drop and the complications that can come with it.

There is a huge difference between cellulits and neuropathy. They are two completely different conditions. I doubt that there was a mis-diagnosis due to thdifferencesnces. However both are very painful and foot drop may make you more prone to Cellulitis.

Cellulitis is a  bacterial infection of the tissues (cells). It may affect just the surface of the skin or it also may affect the tissues below the skin. It can also spread to your lymph nodes and finally into your bloodstream. The symptoms are different from Neuropathy. In Cellulitis the symptoms include: Redness, Swelling, Tenderness, Pain and the skin is often Warm or even Hot to touch. Sometimes you may have a fever.  If encourage you to consult your PCP, asap!!!  Please Don't wait!  Left untreated it can be life-threatening.

Neuropathy, usually called Peripheral Neuropathy refers to damage to nerves of the peripheral nervous system. There are many kinds and locations of Peripheral Neuropathy.  If you are referring to possible nerve damage in the extremity with foot drop your symptoms should not be as extreme as a Cellulitis... although it may be just as painful.  If you have Neuropathy the color and warmth of the skin will be different than in Cellulitis.... meaning not Red and inflamed and certainly not hot. There should be no fever. Your skin should not be "weeping" as it can in Cellulitis.

I can't determine what you may have.... only your Medical Provider will have the right diagnosis.  I do hope you'll consult your PCP today. Please let us know how you are doing. I'll look forward to your updates.

Take Care,
~Tuck

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