I had a diskectomy and laminotomy at l4/ l5 57 days after developing a herniated disk and subsequent foot drop. i am 2 week post op and wondering when foot drop will improve. i cannot stand on my heel and have no bend in my ankle?

Recovery from nerve compressive problems depends upon the severity of the damage. If merely the myelin insulation is damaged, improvement is noted at 3-4 weeks after decompression. If the axonal core is involved, recovery takes place at the speed of fingernail growth, if at all. Most often this is a mixture, and an EMG study can delineate if recovery is ongoing.

Keep in close follow-up with the surgeon. the duration of preop foot drop denotes the degree of nerve damage among other things. There is good chance your function will come back with time- which can not be predicted exactly. Keep doing the P.T exercises. Good luck