Foot Drop: A Rare Symptom of a Slipped Disc
One of the rarer symptoms associated with a slipped disc is foot drop, a condition that causes difficulty in lifting the front part of the foot. This issue becomes most apparent during walking, as the ball area of the foot drags along the ground. To compensate for foot drop, some individuals lift their thigh higher, allowing their foot to clear the floor. This unique movement is known as steppage gait. The occurrence of foot drop is typically a result of the pressure exerted by a slipped disc on one of the nerves responsible for foot elevation. In most cases, it affects the peroneal nerve or one of its supplying nerves, such as the sciatic nerve.
Incontinence and its Causes
Incontinence refers to the involuntary leakage of urine or fecal matter, and it can be caused by various factors. One common cause is pressure exerted on the nerves that connect to the bowels and bladder due to a slipped disc. This pressure can weaken the muscles responsible for holding in urine or fecal matter, resulting in leakage. Additionally, when a nerve is compressed, it can send incorrect signals to the bowels or bladder, causing the muscles to contract and release their contents at inappropriate times.