Loss of strength in lifting foot/Dorsi flexion

Hey guys, has anyone else experienced loss of strength in dorsi flexion of the foot. Perhaps from stretching after the front split class?

 

Ive just seen a physio who thinks it’s definitely nerve related considering my age (33). ‘Foot drop’ usually occurs with older patients etc.

Just looking to see if anyone has experienced anything similar? I’m in two minds wether to see a neuro specialist next as it costs somewhere around £300 to be checked. (NHS in the Uk will take too long for something like this). I’m going to give it 1-2weeks of tibialis exercises to see if it improves before making the decision.
 

thanks in advance,

nick 

@Nick Goddard  Hi Nick,

I have experienced "foot drop" as a result of nerve compression in my lower back.  Just to clarify, foot drop isn't so much a "strength" issue as it is a lack of nerve function (compressed nerves don't send signals to the brain to tell muscles to fire).

I have never noticed this getting aggravated by stretching.

For the record, I'm 37 and I began to experience the neuropathy at around age 32.

I would personally recommend seeing a doctor and getting it checked out just so you know exactly what is going on--once you get a diagnosis, a good physical therapist should be able to help. 

-James

@James O'Boyle does the foot drop get better for you? And how long did it take?
 

thanks for your reply,

nick 

@Nick Goddard  I went through years of physical therapy, minor medical procedures like cortisone injections and nerve ablations, hired personal trainers, etc with limited success.  And then two months ago I took gluten and refined sugar out of my diet and my symptoms (chronic low back pain and leg/foot numbness) have disappeared 90%.  So for me diet was the most successful treatment, but everyone is different.  I recommend trying everything until you find what works for you.

-James

 

Just to keep you up to date, after one week of testing the foot by seeing how long I could stand up whilst only on my heels. My times gradually increased over the week and the foot is feeling a lot better.

There are so many variables that could of caused it that it’s hard to pin point what brought on the foot drop. A few thoughts were:

I could of sat on it funny after long periods of sitting.

My knee has a cyst that could be affecting the nerve.

Stretching the hamstrings - particularly after introducing single legged skater squats. the hamstrings feel tighter after including those In my routine.

But I have a feeling the left tibialis muscle has been weak for a while. So I will continue to include anterior and posterior tibialis exercises for a while and see how it goes.

 

thanks for your info @James O'Boyle

 

@Nick Goddard  No problemo!