This Is MS Multiple Sclerosis Knowledge & Support Community

Hi folks

I am not having a great time with things at the moment and would like to ask your advice, which I value a great deal.

So my right leg has always been poorer in that I have less sensory control to some extent, but recently I have been almost dragging it with the inevitable 'high stoppage gait" as they call it. It is slight but I have noticed looks.

I think what caused this is that I ended up with fluid in my right big toe joint. Tried steroids, didn't work, have had to stop my running. I didn't run a lot but just a little - enough to keep functioning.

Also have hurt my shoulder and had to stop swimming. So just doing stationary bike as exercise but not often enough - I don't enjoy it.

Also my trigeminal neuralgia is back. I am due to have a nerve block soon.

So I feel battle-weary and more than upset at the foot drag.

My physiotherapist says I should contact my neuro and see him sooner than my annual check up. He is right I suppose but I can't pin this down to a 'relapse'.

I want to make my leg stronger. If stroke patients can do it why can't I?

I was winning six months ago.

Any thoughts and advice would be much appreciated.

J.

(Exercise, supplements, Swank-ish diet.)

Do you have drop foot? If so there are some inexpensive braces you can buy that might help, like this one https://www.amazon.com/DORSI-STRAP-Heav ... 0043RIHB0/

If that helps you might be able to resume jogging. There are others that might work better but probably cost more. I have a custom made orthotic foot brace that works best for me but it cost about $1000 ten years ago. Your insurance might cover it. It helps with hyperextension too, which was also giving me some trouble.

There are two companies who make devices that deliver a slight shock to your leg muscle to cause your foot to lift up. One is by Bioness http://www.bionessmobility.com/dtcinquiries
and the other by Walkaide http://walkaide.com/Pages/default.aspx
As I recall both of these are expensive, maybe $4000. Again your insurance might cover it.
One advantage with them is that they use your leg muscles to lift your foot. That can help prevent atrophy.

Wish I could give you a magic cure but there isn't one. These optons may help.

Thanks David. I will bear this in mind. I have no insurance.

I shall try some exercise first - should have been doing that long ago.

If a magic cure turns up.....

J.