While I have noticed for quite some time an odd ache-y feeling in my right ankle, I didn't notice until a week ago that I have foot drop in my right foot - that's the sort of thing you can notice when listening to a boring speaker and jiggling one's foot around.

I'm assuming it's caused by my diabetes, which is why I'm asking about it here.

Anyway, I found exercises on-line that are supposed to help, and which made me realize that this problem has been growing for some time. There are 2 exercises in particular I'm having trouble with. One calls for extending the legs and curling the toes toward one's stomach. My toes refuse to curl in that direction. I can't feel anything so I'm wondering if this exercise is a waste of time or if I should stick to it. Another is walking on one's toes and then heels. Walking on the toes is OK, tho a bit painful. Walking on my right heel is impossible; my foot just flops down when I put my weight on the heel. Not painful, but there is an uncomfortable feeling.

Anyone here have to deal with foot drop? I'd like all the information you can give me! Especially any exercises that helped, also any advice about whether or not to go to the doctor about this. It likely was noticeable at my last appointment a few months back – my feet were checked – by not for foot drop.

No advice on the exercise, but an idea where to get more information first. Do you have any access to a Physical Therapist? One hospital has a PT office right in our YMCA, and she has free "ask the PT sessions" or will chat with anyone between appointments. Private PT offices sometimes offer information sessions or consultations, as do chiropractors.

Did you find these two PT's? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rTjwb6NOPUU

I finally got in to see a physical therapist - VA is a tad slow! After checking out both my feet, he's pretty sure the foot drop isn't due to diabetes, but to my on-going back problems. I will likely need surgery at some time in the future, but I don't know how bad things have to get before the VA will allow the surgery. I'll start bugging my doctor about it.

In the meantime, the exercises I've been doing have helped, and he gave me more to do. Hopefully, that will stave off permanent damage to my foot.

So I've heard! Glad to hear the foot has improved.

Bonnie, we expect "on the ground" reports from you on the promised improvements in the VA system. but for now, glad it wasn't more serious and didn't need immediate treatment. Hope it keeps improving.