Large Toe Turned Under, Causing Stumbling
 

Hi, Everyone!

I am not exactly a new member [joined 7/09], but I am still fumbling my way around, and with intense memory problems, it is harder. I do have a new question about my father. He is 86. In recent years, he has gradually experienced the large toe on one foot turning under, so that he stumbles on it, and has to pick his feet up to walk. This has become worse since he experienced a muscle strain in his lower back, causing back pain on walking, requiring more resting time than usual [he is remarkably active usually], and resulting in physical therapy, mostly untrasound treatment. He has an appt with a neurologist in Oct. 09, but I wonder if anyone here had any idea what the "turned-down-toe" problem might reflect? He tends to attribute it to old age, but it is my belief that, old age or not, there must be a cause. Thank you for your consideration and for any ideas. billie

Has he seen a dr about the toe?
Something like that could be caused from a nerve compression of some sort.
The back strain making it worse makes it seem more likely as low back injuries can affect the nerves going into the legs & feet.
Did they xray or mri his low back?

Thank You for Your Response
 

They did x-rays, to make sure he hadn't broken anything, but did not do an MRI. Although Dad tends to not want me too involved in his medical problems, I will try to get his consent to talk to the neurologist about an MRI. Thank you so much for your suggestion! It helps so much to have such knowledgeable people to associate with. Caring about You - billie

I could also be a contracted tendon but that could be caused by nerve impingement too.

Just a thought-
I don't know how he would feel about seeing an expert and skilled chiropractor??
many will have an evaluations visit - you can request that no treatment is done at that first appt.

The longer he ignores it it may affect his walking & alignment which could cause other issues.

Chiropractor
 

"Expert and skilled" are probably the problematic parts with seeing a Chiropractor in his area of rural Oklahoma. He cannot drive to OKC due to the heavy traffic [he has only one eye due to cancer]. However, I think you may be right, and I will certainly mention this to him. He can see his doctor for a referral. Your interest is very sincerely appreciated. I love my Dad. billie

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Hello Billie, and welcome to NeuroTalk!

I can tell how much you love your dad and are concerned about his medical condition.

I can't add anything, because I have no idea what could be causing his toe to turn under. But, I sure can imagine how hard it would be to walk like that!

Best of luck in finding out what this is and in getting help resolving it.