Left foot problems--------Doctor please help

[BRUCE37]

About 7 1/2 months ago I developed this problem seemingly overnight. I noticed one day as I was walking that when I would try to push off with my left foot, the toes would want to curl under. Almost as if when the rest of the foot is ready to come up, the toes want to keep of pushing off. It hasn't gottem worse but hasn't gotten better. either. I can toe and heel walk easily and don't have foot drop. And I haven't lost strength, either. It bothers me cause I have been making a conscious effort as I walk to keep my toes up when bring that foot forward to keep the toes from doing that and it makes my walk awkward to me. I can bend it fine, can move all the toes, and like I said, have not lost any strength.  A little background-----I was diagnosed almost a year ago with an anxiety disorder. I went to phsical therapists, gp's. balance specialists, psychiatrist and a well-respected neurologist to test me for problems I was having-----twitches, dystonia, tremors, shaking, agitation, pins and needles, etc. This all took place from Nov 08 to early Feb 09. I received mri, xray, various meds( including lexapro and xanax, stopped both months ago), and all sorts of tests including the babinski test from the neuro. Other that some loose otoconia that resulted in some temporary vertigo, all the docs and specialsits told me that this is due to the extreme stress I have been experiencing for over  two years now. In this same leg I had some issues that I called rubber leg, they went away within a few weeks and then this began. Like I have said I've not lost any strength, no muscle wasting or atrophy as with als(done my homework), and can move my foot with ease( no foot drop). Anyone else have this problem?  I thought maybe it was plantar fasciitis as I had a lot of pain in the mornings with my feet, but I can't find ANYTHING on-line about this problem. Oh(lol) and my foot is hurting right now, not craming, but hurting. SORRY SO LONG!!

[BRUCE37]

I apologize(lol)----it seems I can't post my email on here its----the_lowmans at yahoo *******

[BRUCE37]

sorry----the_lowmans***@****

[BRUCE37]

I don't have a history of either that I know of. As far as Parkinsonism is concerned, the neoro said specifically that he wasn;t concerned about that due to the test results( no  balance problems, tremors come and go---not resting tremors, etc) as far as dystonia is concerned---- I kind of gave up on researching that since it seems to be such a obscure and difficult to diagnose disease. But it seems odd and relevant to me that these symptoms didn't begin until after I was under this extreme amount of stress and until after I began taking the dreaded xanax. However, I certainly realize I don't have the credentials to question you or any other qualified expert, and I appreciate this added insight you have given me. Lke is said its not getting worse and I'm not losing strength, muscle size, balance, etc. My email is the_lowmans***@**** and it would be great if you could send me that study. I tried to go there but my computer wouldn't let me and I'm far from being computer savy. Thanks so much, doctor!!!

[Dr. Kokil Mathur]

Hi

Thanks for the post. I am sorry to hear about your condition. I read through your post carefully and here is what I have to say.
There is an interesting study of your condition at: http://www3.interscience.wiley.com/journal/112395520/abstract?CRETRY=1&SRETRY=0   “The most common patterns were plantar flexion of all toes and inversion of the foot, typically activated with standing or walking.” The diagnosis was adult onset dystonia. Another study: http://linkinghub.elsevier.com/retrieve/pii/S1353802005001446
You have suffered from ‘twitches, dystonia, tremors, shaking, agitation, pins and needles’ so it’s important to think in line of dystonia for your foot problem. Also Parkinsonism is also a possibility for all your symptoms. Do you have a family history of dystonia or parkinsonism?

Here is a link that provides detailed symptoms of Parkinsonism: http://www.neurologychannel.com/parkinsonsdisease/symptoms.shtml

It’s difficult to really reach a diagnosis without examining your foot while you are walking, the tremors etc.  Please discuss these possibilities with your doctor. Let me know what your doctor says. If you need more help, please feel free to contact. I’ll be happy to answer your queries.