This is the time of year when the evenings are warm but comfortable – perfect for taking a stroll after dinner and enjoying the last of the summer nights. However, if your foot feels weak, even taking a nice walk likely sounds far from pleasant. When you have weakness in your feet, it can interfere with activities you enjoy, as well as everyday life, but determining what’s behind that weak feeling will allow you to address it and get you back to doing the things you love.
Sometimes, when feet feel weak, and especially if this causes you to drag your toes, it is a sign of foot drop — also called drop foot — which is a symptom in and of itself of a muscle or nerve disorder or injury. This can stem from diabetic neuropathy, tarsal tunnel syndrome, Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease, multiple sclerosis, muscular dystrophy, and other disorders or diseases that affect your muscles and nerves. Because there are so many sources of the problem, it is vital to determine the underlying issue in order for the appropriate treatment plan to be put in place.
In addition to treating the source of your weakness, managing drop foot symptoms (like feet that feel weak) may also include supportive orthotics, splints, or braces, strengthening exercises, and nerve stimulation therapy to encourage nerve cell repair and regrowth. If damaged nerves and muscles are not responding to these methods, surgical procedures may also be considered.
If weakness in your feet is stopping you from enjoying summer strolls and other pleasures in life, it’s important to schedule an appointment as soon as possible. We will diagnose and treat your problem and help you manage foot drop so you can walk with ease. Dial (812) 333-442 to reach our Bloomington, IN office, and we will be happy to help.
