Foot drop post varicella zoster virus

Abstract

Leg pain and weakness can often be seen in a musculoskeletal physiotherapy outpatient setting. While the differential diagnoses for neuropathic pain and weakness is often spine related, this unusual cause for polyradiculopathy is less commonly seen. Shingles is not something routinely seen in a physiotherapy department but is usually associated with skin eruptions and pain but less so with motor loss. The purpose of this case report is to therefore raise awareness that this presentation can occur and should not be mistaken for spinal radiculopathy.

Keywords: orthopaedics; physiotherapy (rehabilitation); physiotherapy (sportsmedicine).