Of recent, I have had more pronounced foot drop. I think because I walk a lot that this is a result of a disruption in the nerve pathway between the legs and your brain, rather than muscle weakness. This disruption means that I do not always properly lift or place my foot during walking. As a result, your foot catches the floor or pavement and sometimes puts me off balance.

I have to use care and consciousness in managing stairs, curbs, rugs, and uneven surfaces. This requires more cognitive labor than I am used to for walking; it has slowed my steps. Foot drop, for me, seems to be one byproduct of fatigue and numbness in my legs and feet.

How to I accomodate my need to be mobile and safe in navigating in my daily life?

I change my shoes multiple times a day to make me more aware of my feet. I also use a trekking pole when I walk outside on uneven or non-paved surfaces. I also slow down and watch where I am stepping. These modifications take a bit more energy expended on the process of walking, but I remain fairly mobile, and walking is a joy.