sudden onset foot drop

[LolaLouise]

As a nurse i should know the answer to this, but i dont, i hold my hands up.

About 10 hours ago i developed foot drop, my lower leg and foot is completely numb and tingley, i cant lift my foot properly whilst walking, walking feels clunky and off balance, i cant flex my foot upwards more than a cm or downwards all the way, i cant spread my toes at all, theres no pain in my lower leg/foot, however my thigh feels fairly achey. There was no injury etc, no prolonged time of being immobile or sitting with my legs crossed or anything, i was at work, throughout my shift i did 18k steps, but one minute ot was fine, the next it wasnt, but it got more pronounced as the shit went on.

Im going to contact my GP, but im not going to lie it concerned me from the persepective of walking was difficult, my job relies on me being mobile and active, and that it was so sudden, not a gradual feeling.

I know some of the causes of foot drop, but not many, and the ones i know are life altering long term conditions. Can anyone offer any reassurance of temporary conditions that start with a sudden onset foot drop problem.

Thank you.

I’ve had exactly what you’re describing and I’m much better following a discectomy and laminecomy. My right foot kept dropping which made me trip over and the pain in my leg from hip to toe was so horrific I sobbed. Not sure why your GP isn’t referring you to a neurosurgeon now. I was referred as soon as my bulging discs were shown on my MRI. My foot is now fine and the pain in my leg gone. I do still have numbness in my toes but I can live with that. Please push to see a neurosurgeon. Sorry but your fab new GP doesn’t sound fab at all!

Im under neuro currently, i think they will pass me over to neurosurg once they review the MRIs as the report only went on this week. If not ill request the refferal, thank you.

Hope orthotics give you an AFo. It’s been life changing for my ds with hereditary spastic paraplegia as he has no feeling in his foot and trips over it.

Hasn’t fallen once since having it and I hope it has the same effect for you.

Do they have any idea what’s caused this damage to your lumbar area? Because it seems to be a common issue in people in care roles

The way it was explained to me was that most people have bulging discs, it’s normal wear and tear and all part of getting older. Most people don’t even know they have a bulging disc as they don’t cause any problems. However, if the bulging disk is pressing on a nerve that’s when there can be issues. Drop foot, severe pain and numbness down the leg can all be caused by bulging discs. It can be really serious if the issues go down both legs and can cause permanent damage, even paralysis if the pressure isn’t taken off the nerve. I’m surprised OPs GP isn’t moving faster on this. My GP had me scanned, reviewed and booked in with a neurosurgeon within a matter of weeks.

I work in the neurology department of a large hospital. I think you will find that the neurologist has referred to neurosurgery already- the waiting times in our trust are horrendous though - even for urgent referrals. Could you self refer for physio meantime?

This is my understanding. When i did my nurse training i did an 8 week plaement with neurology, and they worked very closely with neurosurg regularly transferring patients over. Im assuming they will see the MRIs and pass me over. Im not sure if they will wait for the nerve conduction study to be done first, so ill give it a few weeks then chase it up if not.

Next time i see the GP i will ask about getting a physio referral sooner too.

Am glad you have a referral for orthotics. Did you see my post about a 'foot-up bandage'? They are brilliant as they give you a 'normal' gait. Sadly, for various reasons, I can't tolerate one, so have to continue to 'march' with my right leg (have to lift it up from the knee). Good luck!

How’s things @LolaLouise?

Still the same. I had to change my nerve conduction appointment as i got a d+v bug, so waiting for that to be rescheduled. I decided to take the other job. Its been nearly 3 months now and i just cannot mobilise for more than a short period so i have no choice but to take it really. I cant stay off on sick leave any longer and A&E just isnt feasible, im hoping something suitable back in the NHS becomes available in the near future though. Im still waiting for orthotics but I’ve seen physio for an initial appointment and have a crutch to use to help me walk which helps a bit but i hate using it 🙈 but i do think this is just my body now and im learning to accept it

How are you getting on@LolaLouise - any improvements on your foot? Job ok?

I forgot all about this thread.

My foot now has good days and bad days. I had the nerve conduction tests and it came back as 25% function compared to my good leg. Its been documented on my nhs notes as damage to the fibula nerve but im still awaiting any possible follow ups etc. i started going to the gym to try and build up the muscle in my legs and see if that improves things. I have had some improvements but im not sure if that is the gym - but either way its not a bad thing. Most days i have around 70% movement in it. Some days it much worse.

But. Leaving A&E was the best thing ive ever done. I now do the pip assessment, however, i dont do the face to face or telephone assessment directly with the claimant, i do the ones where a person is unable to be assessed, lots of significant mental health, cancer treatments when its unlikely to be successful, 16 year olds with severe disabilities who have continuously care needs etc. Ones where they are going to be entitled i just have to prove by talking to medical and health professionals, social workers, care providers etc rather than the person claiming directly. It’s incredibly rewarding and my work/life balance is completely different. I actually really love and im so happy after interview that they changed me to this job role not the one i applied for.

so my foot ended up being a bit of a blessing. It still frustrates me, its still very painful after a lot of use, but i have a life now around work, instead of work being my entire life and personality 🙈

Oh wow that’s brilliant that you have found a rewarding job from what felt like a pretty dire situation. Having a good work life balance is so important. It was a big decision so I’m pleased it turned out well for you.

Sorry your foot can still be painful and frustrating. Keep up the gym - sounds like it’s having some positive impact.

I hope the improvements with your foot continue 🤞😊