4 replies to this topic

[ladydi]

Hello. I am new to this forum so bare with me. I was wondering if any of you have a problem with foot drop and what do you do about it?

[Joed]

Hi ladydi and Welcome!

Before my paralysis, and as the symtpoms of having a tethered spinal cord progressed, I had increased problems with foot drop. I was fitted for an AFO, which made a huge difference. The day I walked out of the doctor's office with my new AFO, I couldn't believe how much relief I felt not having to worry about tripping all the time. It's funny the things we just get used to.

Another option that was offered to me was to have my ankle permanently fused into a right angle position. I wasn't too keen on that, and in retrospect I think I made the right decision in not having that done.

[kanga2433]

I think many people suffer with foot drop but it's significance I think it depends on how it affects the everyday life. I have a degree of foot drop myself but make sure that the footrest on my wheelchair forces might feet into a good position that is how they stay for most of the day.

At night, of course, I have no idea what position they occupy; a suspect they're fairly well extended since they often reach over the edge of the foot of the bad.

Ladydi, and you have some functional problem associated with your foot drop?

[Simon]

Have managed to avoid foot drop by keeping foot pillows in at night with a foot board supporting them behind. Once they go, very difficult to get back, maybe standing in a frame is only solution next to physio.

[carolline]

At the early stage of SCI were using the foot splint to avoid foot drop.Theres a time pattern to use it,like 2 hours on and 1 hour off.Or were extending the feet on to the edge of the bed.
Ladydi,how long you got your injury? Or maybe you can consult to thePT.about this issue and they can give you some excercises and tips to prevent foot drop.
Hope you'll be fine.