Help with drop foot

Everyday living
1

Hi, I’m Waz and this is my first posting. I’m after advice on personal mobility aids, like cohesive bandages etc. I’m looking for a solution to a difficulty I’m having.

I have (right) foot drop and reduced sensitivity in the leg. I can’t gauge how high I’m lifting the leg so as not to drag the foot.
If I circle my thighs with my hands, I can get the right to mimic the left. I can’t walk unaided so need my hands. The closest way I can describe what I think will help is thus: I did a catheter recently and took a step to the basin, I could ‘feel’ the movement, as my tights were at my upper thigh. I tried walking like this and it worked.

So, I’ve since been trying to find something that mimics this - without having my tights down🤔 I’ve tried cohesive fabric, and support straps, but no. I think what may work is a figure-of-8 strapping that workflow enclose both legs.

I don’t know how else to explain it, but I think someone out there with foot drop might know what I’m trying - badly - to say. Anyone?

2

I suffer with Heal Slap which is a milder version of foot drop with principally the same cause. I find the following helps with mine:

  • No hot showers (at least none before walking)
  • Reduced caffeine
  • Water little n often
  • Effervescent electrolytes and Vit C
  • Avoiding dairy and meat

I have tried Baclofen - didnt work for me but has for others.

Good luck

1 Like
3

I follow most of your points and thank you for your response

4

If you haven’t done already then maybe have a chat with your MS Nurse and also ask him/ her about referral to an MS Physiotherapist ( could be a long wait though)

There are also ‘functional electrical stimulation’ devices. Your MS nurse might advise but they do cost a bit

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5

Good idea; I’ll call her. Maybe I can get to he physio quicker through her too. I already have a FES unit. While it helps with the drop foot, it doesn’t ‘tell me’ how high I’m lifting the leg🤔

6

My last relapse half my body was burning, plus restricted movement in my left ankle was unable to flex foot up and when walking kept tripping over my toes. Neurology physio involved brought me a stick and some exercises to do. Next step was a foot brace which has really helped with walking along with the stick. I can now flex my foot a little better but there is a limit bro how far I can walk, but I’m hoping it will continue to improve. Have you tried asking for a physio referral as they can provide a brace and exercises to ease your symptoms?

7

I’ll be getting on to my MS nurse and the physio. I haven’t tried a foot brace. I walk with an all terrain frame which is really good, so I have momentum

8

Hi
I’d suggest an orthotic. You will need a GP referral to an Orthotist. They can provide you with bespoke items that can make a huge difference to your mobility.
My orthotic is a carbon splint that has a footplate in your shoe attached to a shin pad like plate that prevents your foot dropping.

Good luck

Adam

1 Like
9

That’s great advice, thank you, Adam. I’ll get on to that in the morning