foot/ankle problem at 20?

[helbell]

I am 20 years old and think i may have what people keep calling 'floppy foot'?

I can not lift my right foot from the ankle, i first had what felt like a strained muscle down the front of my shin and across my toes. This has eased off a bit but cannot turn my foot inwards without xtreme pain. When walking i find myslf lifting my leg higher from the knee in order to compensate for the floppy foot. When putting shoes on my toes get curled up under my foot and i am unable to straighten them. I had this last year for 2months or so but not as extreme.

I am planing to visit my GP over the next week but just wondered if you may be able to advise me if there is anything i can do? Is it something serious or just one of those things? It feels as though the doctor fobbs me off sometimes, so it is something i shud push at?

Any info would be much appreciated.

[IceMan]

First of all yes this is a serious problem. Make sure that your doctors take you seriously on this one.

The problem is caused by pressure on the nerve that supplies the muscle on the front of your shin. This muscle (named tibialis anterior) lifts (or dorsiflexes) your foot to prevent your toes from scraping on the ground as you walk. A lower back problem such as a lumbar(or lower back) herniated disc (probably the most likely cause considering your age) which is pressing on the L4 nerve root could be the problem. If you are active in sporting activities a blow to the outside of the leg just below the knee may have damaged the common peroneal nerve which supplies the tibialis anterior muscle.

If addressed soon and pressure is relieved the nerve can regenerate and function will return but if you procrastinate and just hope that the problem goes away you may have a "floppy foot" for life.

Physio may be of benefit to you but if you don't see any improvement in a few visits, over the span of 1-2 weeks, surgery may be the answer (assuming that the problem is caused by a ruptured disc in the lower back).

Good luck!