Foot Drop

Causes and Risk Factors of Foot Drop

• Nerve Damage: Injury to the peroneal nerve, which controls foot movement, is the most common cause. It can result from trauma, prolonged pressure, or surgery near the knee or hip.

• Muscle Weakness: Conditions like muscular dystrophy can weaken the muscles responsible for lifting the foot.

• Neurological Disorders: Diseases such as stroke, multiple sclerosis, ALS, or cerebral palsy can disrupt nerve signals controlling the foot.

• Spinal Issues: Herniated discs or spinal stenosis may compress nerves affecting foot movement.

• Peripheral Neuropathy: Often linked to diabetes or excessive alcohol use, this condition damages nerves in the legs.

• Immobilization: Prolonged immobility, such as wearing a cast, can lead to nerve or muscle weakening.

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Signs and Symptoms of Foot Drop

• Difficulty Raising the Foot: Inability to lift the toes or the front part of the foot.

• Dragging Toes: Results in tripping or catching the toes on the ground.

• Compensatory Gait: Lifting the knee higher than usual (steppage gait) to avoid dragging the foot.

• Weakness: Reduced strength in the muscles responsible for dorsiflexion (lifting the foot).

• Numbness or Tingling: May occur if caused by nerve damage.

• Muscle Atrophy: Long-term cases may lead to visible muscle loss in the affected leg.

Treatment and Management of Foot Drop

• Physical Therapy: Exercises to strengthen the muscles and improve flexibility. 

• Footwear: Supportive shoes to stabilize the foot.

• Ankle-Foot Orthosis: Using an ankle-foot orthosis (AFO) helps stabilize the foot and ankle during movement. Some AFOs may incorporate dynamic assist hinges to help lift the foot during gait.

• Treatment of Underlying Conditions: Managing conditions such as diabetes or neurological disorders to slow progression.