Expert: Dr. Paul Newhart - 10/22/2009

Question
I am a 70 yr old male in good physical condition and was recently diagnosed with a ruptured disc at L4-L5.  The rupture was pressing into the nerves and causing walking problems and pain.  The rupture was repaired and now the pain is gone but i still have walking problems, classic drop foot, with no strength to raise my left foot and toes.  Can you outline any procedures or exercises that would strengthen the operation of my foot?  What other solutions do you recommend to regain my foot control and ability to enjoy walking and life again?  
Thank you for your insight,

Answer
A good rehab program would help you regain much of the ability with the foot.  A good PT or chiropractor should be able to help you with it.  Another approach is the use of low level laser to help with the nerve "issue".  The LLLT has been shown to speed the healing process immensely (Christopher Reeve was using LLLT for his spinal cord injury)
Addendum:  The problem with giving exercises, with no exam, is that I would not know exactly why you have drop foot.  Yes, you list a rupture, but there are many areas that can be affected that only a thorough exam would flesh out, so that an appropriate rehab program can be established.