If you are experiencing a new onset of foot drop—which refers to weakness in your ability to lift your foot or push it outward—it’s important to understand that this is never normal. Sudden foot drop is a sign that something serious may be going on, and it’s always appropriate to seek medical attention promptly.
The first step is typically to contact your primary care physician. Since they know your medical history and may be easier to see on short notice, they can evaluate your condition and refer you to the appropriate specialist. Depending on the cause, that might be a neurosurgeon, a pain management specialist, a peripheral nerve surgeon, or an orthopedic surgeon.
There are many possible causes of foot drop. For example, it might originate in your spine—perhaps from a herniated disc. In such cases, patients often experience significant back pain as well. A spine specialist, pain management team, or spine surgeon would be the right professionals to evaluate this kind of issue.
Foot drop can also occur after certain surgeries or traumatic injuries. If you’ve recently had an orthopedic procedure—such as a knee or hip replacement—or suffered a leg fracture from a fall, and you now find that you can't lift or move your foot outward, or you’re experiencing numbness or pain on the top of your foot, it’s important to report these symptoms right away. Even general surgeries, such as a gallbladder removal, have been known to result in foot drop in rare cases. In that scenario, you should notify your general surgeon immediately so they can assess the situation.
Your doctor may order imaging tests such as an MRI, which is often more sensitive than a CT scan for detecting soft tissue and nerve-related issues. Another diagnostic tool may be an EMG (electromyography) or a nerve conduction study, where small electrical probes are used to test nerve function. However, it's worth noting that these tests often don’t show abnormalities until a week or two after symptoms begin, so don't worry if they're not scheduled right away.
Ultimately, a thorough physical examination is key. Early evaluation by the right physician ensures that the underlying cause of your foot drop is identified and treated as soon as possible.
