might need foam rolling but don't know where?

[allenkt]

A few weeks ago I noticed that I was walking kind of weird. I didn't have any pain or discomfort but for some reason my left foot would kind of slap the ground when I walked (as if I was flat footed in that leg only). It seemed to go away in a week so I didn't worry too much about it. But then a few days ago it came back. Then tonight I think I figured out why. For some reason my left ankle won't bend right. For instance just standing straight up, if I try and tap my left foot I can't do it because I can't lift the balls of my feet off the ground. It doesn't hurt at all, it just feels weird and I know I should be able to do it. But it does explain why I'm walking strangely.

So I think I should do some foam rolling but I don't know where I should be focusing my attention. I don't notice any abnormally tight muscles but obviously there is a problem somewhere. Anyone know what muscle group would be causing this and what foam rolling exercises I could do?

Thanks,
Karl

[LisaS]

so if a person asked you to walk forward on your heels only (toes up in the air) - you would not be able to do that?

I hate to say this, but people with "foot drop" say things like what you are saying. You might want to get seen in person by doctor just to rule out the serious stuff.

[allenkt]

Originally Posted by LisaS

so if a person asked you to walk forward on your heels only (toes up in the air) - you would not be able to do that?

I hate to say this, but people with "foot drop" say things like what you are saying. You might want to get seen in person by doctor just to rule out the serious stuff.

Yep, that is correct. If I were asked to walk like that I couldn't do it because I wouldn't be able to get my left toes up in the air. Even sitting in a chair I can't lift my toes off the ground.

I'll go get it checked out this week though and hopefully it's something as "simple" as a pinched nerve. I've been meaning to find a chiropractor anyway because I do tend to get some unexplained numbness in places so I guess this is a good excuse to go see the doc

Thanks Lisa.

Karl

[UConnJulie]

It's definitely involving the nerve. I honestly would see a regular MD though ... JMHO.

[allenkt]

Well since my insurance won't pay for a chiropractor anyway, I will go see my regular doc on Wednesday. It's the weirdest thing though, doesn't hurt at all, just feels weird when the top of my foot and/or ankle go slightly numb and of course the way I walk drives me crazy. Honestly, if it weren't for the advice given here I'd probably just wait and see if it goes anyway since it doesn't hurt at all.

[John Izzo]

Forget the chiro...go see a specialist (MD). I have a client with excessive foot drop and he is literally "stomps" his left foot when he walks and he describes everything you just did.

[UConnJulie]

Foot drop is definitely neurological ... the trick is in finding out WHERE it is coming from ... peripheral (fairly common in certain types of ankle sprains), central (coming from your spine somewhere), or systemic (something like ALS or MS).

Nerve stuff is never anything to mess around with. Always err on the side of caution.

[allenkt]

Well I went to the MD so we'll see what happens. I had a bunch of bloodwork done on Thursday and then next week I'm going to get an MRI on my brain and my lumbar area. Then I'm also going to go see a neurologist because I have similar numbness (but accompanied by pain) in both hands so they are going to see if that is carpal tunnel. But the doc said anytime I have unexplained numbness in various places it's something that needs to be checked out. And I'm really glad I went because the numbness in my foot has only gotten worse and more often since then. Of course I think walking all over DC today certainly didn't help anything.....

[UConnJulie]

Keep us posted ...