Foot Drop...The Nerve!

Foot Drop

This was one of my first weird symptoms...I couldn't lift my feet normally. I was dragging my toes without meaning to. What was going on????

Foot Drop or Drop Foot, as it is often called, is a symptom of Multiple Sclerosis. Disrupted nerve signals make it difficult to properly lift the foot when walking. I had a hard time lifting the front of my feet. That, along with balance issues, made it more challenging to walk any distance. It seemed to take even more energy than usual to get somewhere on foot, and my energy is a precious commodity that is not to be wasted.

An ankle-foot orthosis, a splint or brace worn on the lower leg that holds the foot in the proper position, can help in this situation. It fits close to the leg, so it can be worn under pants. A physiotherapist can prescribe one of these to someone having difficulty walking.

FES or Functional Electrical Stimulation can be applied to nerves that don't function well while walking. Small electrical impulses stimulate nerves, so they work better in ambulatory situations. This can also be prescribed by a physiotherapist.

Appropriate, well-fitting footwear also plays a part. You may need something more supportive to keep your feet on the right path. I had to stop wearing loose-fitting shoes to feel more confident when traveling any distance.

I felt like a little old lady stumbling along, trying not to trip over stuff. I put a brace around my ankle, and that helped me. Thankfully, this problem has been corrected, so my walking has improved. Possibly with medication or my toes decided they didn't want to be left behind. I'm not sure. I'd better enjoy the freedom while it lasts. The MS Gods may need to remind me how lucky I am to still be able to walk!