# Drop Foot **URL:** \ **Category:** Factual Questions\ **Created:** [August 7, 2003, 3:41am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/drop-foot/193511 "2003-08-07T03:41:20Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 4\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![Homer\_J.Simpson](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/a698b9/32.png) [@Homer\_J.Simpson](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Homer_J.Simpson)\ **Post date:** [August 7, 2003, 3:41am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/drop-foot/193511/1 "2003-08-07T03:41:20Z")
I have been experiencing strong pain on the outer-front of my lower leg when I run. I don’t think this caused by shin splints. It is an intense cramping pain. So, I basically stopped running and have been doing the elliptical trainer. Today, I got a massage and the massage therapist asked if my feet always laid that way when I was on my back because I have drop foot. She said this could cause pain right where I have been experiencing it when I run. I used to run a lot. I ran a marathon about two years ago and never experienced pain like this before. Is it possible I have drop foot? Could I have developed it since I ran my marathon (I didn’t run much after the marathon)? I haven’t had any injury since then. What is drop foot? Is this a sign of a more serious problem? ---
**Author:** ![InternetLegend](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/internetlegend/32/13154_2.png) [@InternetLegend](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/InternetLegend)\ **Post date:** [August 7, 2003, 4:00am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/drop-foot/193511/2 "2003-08-07T04:00:23Z")
From what I found on Google, “drop foot” is apparently a sign of something called “Exertional Compartment Syndrome.” Apparently, this can become quite serious. If this persists, I’d suggest you see a doctor soon. Here are some links: [http://members.aol.com/rayzwocker/worldclass/tibialis.htm](http://members.aol.com/rayzwocker/worldclass/tibialis.htm) [http://www.parknicollet.com/healthadvisor/conditions/lowlegpain\_2.cfm](http://www.parknicollet.com/healthadvisor/conditions/lowlegpain_2.cfm) [http://www.physsportsmed.com/issues/1996/04\_96/edwards.htm](http://www.physsportsmed.com/issues/1996/04_96/edwards.htm) ---
**Author:** ![Dignan](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/f07891/32.png) [@Dignan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dignan)\ **Post date:** [August 7, 2003, 6:54am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/drop-foot/193511/3 "2003-08-07T06:54:54Z")
Drop foot can be an issue for someone that is in the hospital or in bed for an extended amount of time. I am not a doctor and I haven’t studied any type of medicine, I’m just telling you what I remember from when I was in the hospital. I was told that what could happen is that the achilles tendon would kind of shorten up and then you’d really be in trouble. I don’t know if there’s any way to fix the achilles once it shortens up, but I was led to believe that there is not. For a couple of months I would wear prafo boots when I was sleeping or going to be in bed for a long period. The boots are rigid and you strap your foot in; they’re almost like walking casts. The doctor eventually told me I didn’t need to wear them anymore and I haven’t noticed any problems. My physical therapist said just pulling my foot (toes) back to stretch it out would help against drop foot. Again, I am not any kind of medical professional. ---
**Author:** ![Homer\_J.Simpson](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/a698b9/32.png) [@Homer\_J.Simpson](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Homer_J.Simpson)\ **Post date:** [August 7, 2003, 6:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/drop-foot/193511/4 "2003-08-07T18:38:19Z")
Bump