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What Causes Leg Weakness With Foot Drop?

Posted on Fri, 11 Jul 2014

Question: I recently had an MRI which shows problems at L4 & L5. I have weakness in my rt leg and foot drop in my rt foot. Can this be treated?

Answered by Dr. Mukesh Chugh (59 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
MRI report suggestive left sided disc prolapse

Detailed Answer:
Hello
Thanks for posting
After going through the your query and MRI report, it needs physical examination to confirm the cause of foot drop as the MRI report is suggestive of disc prolapsed at left side with foot drop on right side.
My suggestion would be -
1. Physical Examination by neurologist.
2. EMG/NCV test that is studies of nerve supplying the foot.
Foot drop is treatable provided we have the correct diagnosis in our hand.
In your reply I would like to know, do you have ever have direct injury at knee, probably a hit at knee?

Hope this helps and I shall be glad to answer any further query.
Take care

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Mukesh Chugh (19 minutes later)

I had a total rt knee replacement on 5/22/12. Rt ft drop began about 4 to 5 months after that. It was mild at first.

Answered by Dr. Mukesh Chugh (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
EMG/NCV test will help

Detailed Answer:
Hi
It’s good to see you
After going through the whole discussion, you had foot drop from October 2012? Keeping this long duration (one and half year) in mind, my suggestion would be-
1. Get EMG/NCV test done to know the status of nerve and muscle function.
2. You may wear foot drop splint and keep on moving the ankle with hand’s to prevent joint contracture.
Hope this helps do come back if you have further query.
Wishing you good health.

Note: For further queries, consult a joint and bone specialist, an Orthopaedic surgeon. Book a Call now.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar