Painless Foot drop

[Greatexpect]

Anyone had painless foot drop before? What was it? My GP surgery have referred me to MSK services but they say it is not the right place for me.

There are multiple causes from damage to a nerve in the leg or the back of metabolic disorders or other neurological disorders. You really need a neurological referral

I have this and am waiting for an op. The cause (in my case) is a ganglion back of knee which is pressing on the nerve. Impact varies but leg drop is most obvious sign. I do get periodic nerve pain right down the leg. Hoping removal of ganglion will sort it!

Thanks. The GP is suggesting orthopaedics but this doesn’t seem right either

It maybe that it’s a pathway you need to go down to make progress. I saw a physio who told me I had to go to A&E NOW. She thought it could be causa equina syndrome. I was pretty convinced it wasn’t ;none of the other symptoms were relevant ,eg loss of bowel and bladder control). It was a waste of time.

DH had it due to significant weight loss (in his case chemotherapy). The loss of body fat left the peroneal nerve more exposed which lead to pinching. It's called Slimmers Palsy and quite common, I think.

Agree it is neurology who would investigate, probably with mri and nerve conduction tests. Dh had it after a spell in hospital.

Thanks all. I’m worried about Parkinson’s as it’s also combined with a right sided hand tremor. So that’s another reason why I think neurology.

I’ve had it twice (same foot) probably about 20 years ago and both times it went away by itself. No idea why, it’s fine now.