I've started finding that when I'm out walking, my feet tend to flap down, and have on numerous occassion tripped when going up steps, by catching the front edge of my shoes/sandals on the edge of the step - all of which I understand are typical symptons of Foot Drop.
I was diagosed with PMR in June 2018, starting on 30mg Pred, and now down to 7mg, but finding it difficult to get lower.
Is this down to the Pred, or something else?
Foot drop can be caused by back problems. Have you talked to your doctor about it?
There are multiple causations for foot drop. It stems from muscle weakness, usually from another condition. There is quite a list. I am not aware of PMR or Prednisalone being amongst those. It’s good that you are trying to get into your doctor. They need to get to the bottom of this.
If only I could get someone to pick up the 'phone. !
My feet suffered as did the tendons there and elsewhere. The weakness from muscles in my pelvic, back and abdomen had a big effect on everything. It was down to Pred plus overall loss of the high level of activity I was used to. It’s not just the amount of activity reducing that’s the problem but a slow reduction in the range of movement. In the bad weeks and months we hunker down and hit a new normal. I have noticed in patients over the years that the brain forgets what it used to do if you stop doing it. I’m now having to re-educate my body into using its full range of mobility. I was greatly helped by a podiatrist who noticed my hip muscles to be rubbish but also input from a physio who dealt with the rest of me. Your gait is probably a window to the rest of you that is a bit battle weary from Pred, a change in lifestyle and autoimmune effects.
I had a problem with my right foot dropping. It began in February as I was having my first flare. I had to reduce exercise to deal with the inflammation, but the foot problem remained afterwards. The muscles around my ankle have gradually strengthened again as I increased my walking. It also helped to wear boots which supported my ankle.
Can you feel your toes and or feet. Do you have any sensation in your feet or are they perfectly ok?
Hi Bobbury. I would say my feet are 'okay', but not perfect - the odd corn, a fungal nail. Why do you ask?
I had the same symptoms which developed into losing all feeling in my feet.Had loads of tests, electrodes, CIT etc etc, It was found that my nerves to my feet had died and the brain wasn't able to connect. Apparently it is a 1,000 chance in one that this happens and it is a side effect of taking pred long term. I'm glad to hear you dont have this. I think a neurologist would be your next step. Keep going, best of luck!!
Hi Apttony, It sounds like you might have some neuropathy. Not to scare you, but I had the same thing. I went to a neurologist who confirmed the neuropathy. Mine came from heavy doses of prednisone plus I’d had 6 months of chemotherapy. Just keep an eye on it, we don’t want you falling. I eventually ended up with arthotics called “Go Walks”. Now I can walk without worry of drop foot.
Let’s hope yours won’t get worse, if they do a neurologist can test the foot nerves to give you an analysis. Good luck! Keep us posted!
Please can you tell me more about ‘Go Walks’ thanks
Hi stillsdisease. Do a Google search using 'arthotics called “Go Walks”' , and you will get a page of shoes for sale. But look further down where there are questions, and you will see a lot of pros and cons.
Many thsnks
Hi! Go Walks are braces with. A Steel foot that fits in the sole of your shoe. Hence keeping you foot straight. A steel rod, affixed to the foot part goes up to your calf and is adhered with Velcro. Have you googled them? If not maybe I can send a link. You have to wear a sneaker with removable insoles so that your foot is cushioned. I got mine from a clinic for orthotics and braces here in the US. What a difference it makes! PS you need to buy a size larger shoe. Good luck, happy to help anytime. I also had to have a referral from my neurologist. This was years ago. Maybe now you can just order them outright. Let me know. 😬
Many thanks
I too have this happening lately but I do have numbness in that foot as well, waiting for an appointment to check it out.
I have to think it is nerve damage somewhere in my foot as this numbness has literally lasted years and I was doing physio to try and correct it. It did reduce the numbness but not eliminate it.
Now the foot drop is starting.
Hi all, many thanks for your reponses.
Managed to get through to surgery last night, and GP rang me back. Had a long discussion as regards symptoms, followed by a referal to Physio team, with the surgery's First Contact Physiotherapist ringing me this morning, who basically did a telephone triage. Now refering me urgently up the system, for a more detailed exploration of what is going on. Hope to know more in a day or two.
This also happened to me in the early days after diagnosis for GCA and PMR. Referred to a neurologist who did various tests but didn't really advise what caused it. It did improve over a few months but cannot tell you why?! My rheumy reminded me that I did have a stroke of the optic nerve which may have had some effect on the symptoms because as well, my fingers were having pbms writing with the pen. However, perhaps with the medication of Pred and TCZ, it may have cured the pbm as it has disappeared! I just kept on walking and now no more "flopping". Good luck with your journey.
Hi Jarn, please can you explain what 'pmbs' refers to. Thanks
Hi apttony, I think 'pmbs' is short for "problems".
Hi apttony. Try my mobility exercises. They are designed to increase your range of movement and get the legs working properly. I do them every day and link them to muscle strengthening . The muscle waste and weakenung are pred related so you have to rebuild muscle and that takes work. Only do what your body allows as you musn't overstrain them. It is a difficult balance.
Yeah, I know what that's like. I got a rescue dog during the pandemic and obviously the dog needs walking. I do it it twice a day, 30 mins or so. It has improved my leg muscles and also my balance. Have good days and bad days in terms of leg energy (if there is such a thing but that's how I would describe it) but I think is due some what to the PMR. Overall though, I'm in a better place than I was. I still have to concentrate on where I'm walking, kerbs etc. I do on some days have the tendency to be a bit unstable but I'm working on it. Keep on walking !!! Best of luck
I read this and all the replies with interest.RA in my big toe joints caused me flop my foot down and walk badly for years.
Last year out of the blue while gently exercising I ruptured two lower calf muscles. Due to Covid and thinking it was just a strain I did not seek treatment at the time. Six months later still limping badly and in pain. One year later (now) slight limp but still in pain in calf and foot. I think RA has invaded the soft tissue in my foot (Enthesis?) it affects the sheath of the tendons.
Anyway this may be if interest re your foot.
Cycli gave me some good advice.
Good to hear from a "fellow foot dropper'. Fingers Xd but my issue seems to be resolved and have no idea why except that I started TCZ. Am still doing injections every two wks (I cut down from weekly). Good luck as you continue.
PMR,Prednisolone and Foot Surgery
How do I drop pred after a flare?
Changing from Prednisolone to possibly Hydrocortisone 
Always look on the Bright Side.
DIY seems to be the only way to go with this.
