Does anyone know anything about foot drop?

@huckabyr I'm sorry to hear of your foot drop problem. Please provide a little more information on your foot drop if you feel comfortable. For example, do you notice it more when you are tired or after physical activity or exercise? You said it began in 2012, was there an accident or injury at that time as well? Do you trip or stumble as a result of the foot drop? Have you had falls as a result? What does your doctor say about it? Have you seen a neurologist or a physical therapist? Any other health problems or meds that might be contributing to this type of problem? These are just some questions that just might help you clarify the problem as you seek help from you medical team (and the Mayo Connect community). Foot drop was my first signal of the beginnings of Parkinson's. The foot drop problem is also seen in other people who have neurological disorders and/or nerve damage from injury, surgery, etc. Best wishes as you seek an answer!

First, thanks for the quick response, I really appreciate it. In 2011 I was involved in a horrific car accident. I suffered nine hip fractures which damaged my sciatic nerve, I am told that this is what caused the foot drop. I was told by my orthopedic surgeon that the nerve either regenerates on its own or not, sadly mine did not regenerate. I have been to two neurosurgeons, one of which was at Johns Hopkins. Both of them told me the same thing that my orthopedic surgeon told me. I have never been on any specific medication for foot drop, I did not know that there is such medication. I have been medically retired from my job since 2012. In 2014 I started suffering from anxiety and severe depression, along with PTSD. I have tried several medications, none seem to help. I hope you can give me some advice on what I should try next. Thanks for caring!

@huckabyr Thanks for providing more info on the foot drop problem I'm certainly not able to advise you medically, it sounds as if you have consulted with some good medical people already. I noticed, however, that you did not discuss any physical therapy and/or exercise program. Has that been a part of your treatment already? If not, you might look into it or if you have been involved with either of these, you may need to have a "refresher" PT and a continuing exercise plan (with your doctor's approval of course). It looks as if you have consulted with neurosurgeons in the past. Have you thought about consulting with a movement disorder specialist? They are neurologists with special training in movement disorders. While your problem is probably a result of your accident and injuries, it certainly is possible that a movement disorder specialist might be able to pick up some other neurological problem. Any family history of neurological problems like PD or MS? Just a thought, but one that might be worth a try since you are looking for answers. Once again, best wishes as you search for help!

I attended PT three times a week for almost a year, with no improvement. I have not been back since 2015. I have no family history of any neurological disorders, sadly I am the first. The neurosurgeon that I saw at Johns Hopkins was supposed to be a finest, with treating foot drop, so when he told me that he could not help me, I became very discouraged and that's when the anxiety and depression started. Some days it's extremely hard to go on. I have tried to accept my situation. Thanks for listening!

@huckabyr I'm more than happy to be a sounding board as you discuss your situation. I do know that it is important to be proactive when you have any depression and/or anxiety. So I would encourage you to find an exercise program (doctor approved of course). Exercise is one of the better antidotes for anxiety and depression (the only side-effects of exercise are positive ones!). Swimming or just walking in the water can be good for spinal problems as there is no jarring/impact to the body. So if is possible to find a pool, check with your doc for his/her OK. Water exercise is one of my favorite things to do and makes me feel happier. Try getting involved in that which makes you happy and can give you satisfaction. Perhaps a support group would be helpful as well. Keep in touch. Mayo Connect is a great community.

Thanks for the advice about exercise, I will look into it. You mentioned a support group, that also sounds good. Do you know how I would go about finding one?

@huckabyr Perhaps your doctor's office might know of a support group for folks with injuries such as yours. Also, many local hospitals have support groups for individuals with physical problems, give a call or look online for groups in your area. Finding a group to offer support is important.

I developed dropped foot out of the blue. I think it is related to peripheral neuropathy. I have had other sensors issues that has gotten better maybe because I’m on zymbalta. Anyone had similar issues?

Hi @pitepalten, Mayo Clinic has some information on foot drop that you may find helpful here: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/foot-drop/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20372633.

@janedahlgren, @barbbie, @riverlover, and @jenniferhunter have posted about foot drop in other discussions and may have some information or suggestions to share from their experience. Have you asked your neurologist or doctor about your symptoms?