Foot Drop
Foot drop is a muscular and neurological condition where a person has difficulty lifting the front part of the foot, leading to dragging while walking.
Symptoms
- Dragging of the foot while walking
- High-stepping gait to avoid dragging
- Foot slapping the floor
- Numbness or weakness in the foot
- Muscle atrophy in severe cases
Causes & Risk Factors
- Peroneal nerve injury
- Stroke
- Multiple sclerosis
- Spinal cord compression
- Diabetes-related neuropathy
Diagnosis
- Physical and neurological exam
- MRI or CT scan of spine or brain
- Electromyography (EMG) and nerve conduction studies
- Ultrasound of the peroneal nerve
Effective Treatment Options
- Ankle-foot orthosis (AFO) for support
- Physiotherapy to strengthen ankle dorsiflexors
- Electrical stimulation
- Surgical nerve decompression (in some cases)
Frequently Asked Questions
Is foot drop permanent?
It can be temporary or permanent depending on the cause and timing of treatment.
What exercises help with foot drop?
Dorsiflexion, resistance band exercises, and neuromuscular stimulation aid recovery.
