Foot drop

[FMDAdvocate]

I had L3-4,4-5 laminectomy, discectomy & decompression 2.5 years ago. It was done as an emergency for sudden onset foot drop. After surgery my foot drop did not improve and I am left with radiculopathy in my big toe & chronic back pain. Has anyone else had foot drop happen like this before? Has anyone had foot drop improve this far out of surgery?
Thanks for your replies.

[S. Kaul, MD]

Hi there!

Well, the chances of recovery with a surgery following a radiculopathy depend on a few factors such as severity, chronicity, type of surgery, presence of other comorbidities/ other complicating factors etc. The improvement may not be sudden but may take some time. However if there are no signs of improvement in the first 3-6 months, it is unlikely to improve. Management in such cases may involve occupational therapy/ physiotherapy, use of orthotic devices, functional electric stimulation etc. You may like to discuss the feasible options with your treating orthopedician.
Hope this is helpful.

Take care!

[shah24]

dr. is there any sign of recovery from foot drop? how do we come to know that now it's recovering ?