Foot Drop Anyone?

[FMDAdvocate]

Does anyone out there have foot drop besides me??

[becca535]

Hi there- I am new to this forum, but have had complete foot drop in my right foot after being injured at work and having emergency back surgery in January, 2008.  I was out of work for a couple of month, but desperate to return.  I couldn't drive safely, so I took driving lessons with hand controls and had my car outfitted with them.  I had to get a special license, or else I wouldn't be covered by my insurance.  It was worth it, and frankly it is fun to drive with the "suicide knob!"  I don't wear an AFO although I have gone through two plastic ones and two made by Ossur.  The plastic ones bent after a while and so didn't lift my foot, and the ones by Ossur were just uncomfortable/painful after time.  I wear boots in the fall and winter and they provide enough structure that I don't trip if I am careful.  In the spring and summer I just have to be extra careful not to trip in flats, sandals, sneakers.  I considered surgery to correct the foot drop, but since I am pain free now, I don't want to risk a surgery that might not work and could cause me pain.  I had enough pain with my back and when the muscle on my calf was deteriorating that I am not wanting to welcome pain back into my life.  I hope your other health conditions are soon alleviated.  Best of luck.

[joshgrobanrox]

Well, add another foot drop person to this group. I was diagnosed a few weeks ago, but have been dealing with foot drop since January, Last August I got really sick and went into the ER expecting to come out with some antibiotics and to feel better in a few days. Imagine my shock when I was admitted to the hospital and told I have End Stage Renal Disease. Within in last year I have started dialysis had a virual infection and neuropatyhy and now foot drop. Any question as to why I get depressed sometimes. I have neuropathy in both feet, but as of right now only foot drop in the right. I have NO feeling in either set of toes, but can move my left foot. my right foot is basically useless except for the ability to move it from side to side. Do you think I would be a candidate for the tendon surgery? What doctor would I talk to about it? Neurologist?Physical Therapy?Orthopedist?Famly? Sorry for all the questions, I am just new to this all. Thanks

[Melli07]

    I also have foot drop. I had an accident at work where I fell, I had a complete tear of my LCL and a small tear in my ACL in my right knee. Some where in there I pinched or did something to the Peroneal nerve. Per my Doc, in surgery he "cleaned" up the nerve and removed scar tissue. This all happened in April. I have been using an AFO, that I found on the Brace shop website that my PT recommended. I understand that my foot drop may not be as serious as most of you on here as mine is supposed to heal, I have had this for six months now, but I wanted you all to know you are not alone. And, I was excited to finally find an active discussion regarding this issue!

FMD, I have to ask, how are you driving?  I have no Dorsiflexion but I can push my foot down and I can move my foot to the right, inward, but I cannot push my foot outward. My Doc says I can't drive, I just want to know how you do it. :)    

[FMDAdvocate]

I just took your survey. Thanks for taking an interest in those of us dealing with foot drop.
It's nice to know someone is interested in improving the AFO.

[FMDAdvocate]

I'm sorry for the loss of your mother, and your fall. I've heard foot drop's occuring due to an injury like your's have a high % of recovery. Living in Florida too I understand your shoe search. I have one paid of wedge heel, Gladiator style (wrap around the ankel) sandal which I wear for a special occasion. I haven't found any sandal for an AFO. I do have black leather, and cream leather shoes from ECCO which aren't the most stylish but better than the medical shoes. Both pairs lace up the front and work with the AFO.

[FMDAdvocate]

I enjoyed your comments or should say appreciated remarks about rebelling against foot drop by only wearing the x-strap. I still use mine about 50% of the time. Partly because it is not so hot but also because I can ride my bicycle with it on. And, yes I can't wait for cold weather to wear my boots rather than the AFO. I wear a wedge heel because it helps me compensate for the drop. I saw an orthopedic doc recently to be evaluated for the muscle tendon transfer. Unfortunately, I am not a candidate because I also cannot move my foot inward(inversion).
This would be the tendon moved to the front of the leg so surgery would not work in my case. But, I am just thrilled to hear it has worked for you! That makes my day. Thank you for sharing.