Question
HI--I WOKE UP ONE MORNING ABOUT 4 MONTHS AGO WITH A SLIGHT LIMP AND MY LEG FELT HEAVY BUT STILL I WENT TO WORK. I AM A WAITRESS.I WAS SENT HOME FROM WORK AND HAVEN'T WORKED SINCE. I HAVE BEEN TO THE NEUROLOGIST TWICE. HE SAID I HAVE HYPER-REFLEXIVES AND THOUGHT I HAD MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS. I WAS TREATED WITH SETS OF SOLUMEDROL INFUSIONS AND THEY DIDN'T HELP ME TO WALK. THE SPINAL TAP INCLUDING A TEST OF THE CFS SAYS IT IS NOT SUPPORTIVE OF MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS.WENT TO THE ORTHOPEDIC FOR BRAIN-LUMBAR-CERVICAL AND THORACIC MRI'S. HE SAID HE DIDN'T SEE ANYTHING WRONG ALTHOUGH THERE SOME DISC BULGES AND A DISC OSTEOPHYTE AND THE SAME WITH L2 THRU L5,BUT WHAT I REALLY WANT TO KNOW IS IT'S AFFECTING MY WALKING.THIS IS MY RIGHT FOOT SO I CANT DRIVE. I CAN'T BEND MY BIG TOE DOWNWARD OR UPWARD EXCEPT JUST A LITTLE-THE OTHER FOUR TOES I CAN.I CAN'T MOVE MY ANKLE TO THE LEFT OR RIGHT AND I LOSE MY BALANCE IF I DON'T HOLD ON TO THE FURNITURE OR WALLS WHEN I WALK.IT'S TAKING SO LONG TO GET ANY RESULTS OR TREATMENT THAT IF THEY DON'T DO SOMETHING SOON,I'M AFRAID THIS WILL BE PERMANENT.MY CONDITION ISN'T GETTING ANY BETTER. I' 59 AND LIVE ALONE WITH NO HELP. PLEASE HELP ME IF YOU CAN----SINCERELY-----NOLA---SEPTEMBER 9-2010--LAS VEGAS

Answer
It does sound like the underlying issue is neurological.  Using an ankle-foot orthosis can be helpful as you're trying to strengthen.  It will provide you support and promote a more natural and stable gait.  visit a podiatrist to learn more about this adjunct treatment.

All the best,
Andrew Schneider, DPM

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