Atrophy in left foot and big toe is completely pointing down.

There are a number of treatable causes for peripheral neuropathy, if the cause is identified and remedied in time. For example, vitamin B12 deficiency is found in older adults and can cause neuropathy. I would definitely follow through with the recommended tests.

Greetings @hippiecatmama. Welcome to Connect and the hundreds of folks who come here to share their experiences and learn from each other. I sense your fear of the worst news! I have been there before, especially when I knew surgery was a possibility.

My understanding of atrophy from a medical perspective is that it can be initiated by inadequate nerve messages which of course can be related to neuropathy. I have had small fiber neuropathy (SFN) for about 6 years and of course, have also experienced some of the same symptoms you have encountered.

What is your mind telling you that could be so bad? If it is that you can't recover, I think maybe that is a bit too discouraging regarding available exercise and PT programs. Before my second TKR, my right leg had atrophied from lack of use. You really noticed it if you saw me in shorts. And that will never happen anymore!

My concern for you is that if you do not pursue knowledge, you will lose the power to be a part of your body's recovery from the existing condition.

Where would you be comfortable starting this journey of discovery?

May you be safe, protected, and free of inner and outer harm.
Chris

Definitely get all the tests recommended. I would also recommend work with a PT, and getting over any bias you may harbor against using a walker for the time being. If you cannot live on one floor, consider affording a stair chair to move you up and down stairs. My left foot dropped and my big toe also points down for the last year +. However, with infusion therapy, and Aquatherapy PT I am gaining more mobility and strength in both legs. Keep connected here and at the Foundation for Peripheral Neuropathy, which has monthly Zoom meetings and a Facebook page. Don’t feel like you are alone in this, because you are not!

I agree with @efgh1020 on the importance of PT for dropped feet: it’s amazing what exercises they know that can help strengthen muscles to restore or compensate the muscle loss and make mobility easier. Just to show how different our conditions may be, my toe/s pointed upward in my left foot, and exercises really helped to get my foot back on the floor!

I have foot drop and no muscle movement in my big toe. I do physical therapy for my neuropathy issues, especially for balance, but was also fitted for a brace recommended by my doctor that holds my left foot up. When I go out I also use a cane to prevent falls, and when going on longer walks I sometimes use a rollator so I can walk faster and get a better cardio workout.