clinical problem solvers foot drop

Foot Drop Syndrome

What is foot drop syndrome.

Foot drop syndrome describes the inability to raise the front part of the foot due to weakness or paralysis of the muscles that lift the foot. As a result, individuals with foot drop scuff their toes along the ground or bend their knees to lift their foot higher than usual to avoid the scuffing, which causes what is called a “steppage gait."

Foot drop can be unilateral (affecting one foot) or bilateral (affecting both feet). Foot drop is a symptom of an underlying problem and is either temporary or permanent, depending on the cause.

Causes include:

• Neurodegenerative disorders of the brain that cause muscular problems, such as multiple sclerosis, stroke, and cerebral palsy
• Motor neuron disorders such as polio, some forms of spinal muscular atrophy and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (commonly known as Lou Gehrig's disease)
• Injury to the nerve roots, such as in spinal stenosis
• Peripheral nerve disorders such as Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease or acquired peripheral neuropathy
• Local compression or damage to the peroneal nerve as it passes across the fibular bone below the knee
• Muscle disorders, such as muscular dystrophy or myositis

Treatment depends on the specific cause of foot drop. The most common treatment is to support the foot with lightweight leg braces and shoe inserts, called ankle-foot orthotics. Exercise therapy to strengthen the muscles and maintain joint motion also helps to improve gait. Devices that electrically stimulate the peroneal nerve during footfall are appropriate for a small number of individuals with foot drop. In cases with permanent loss of movement, surgery that fuses the foot and ankle joint or that transfers tendons from stronger leg muscles is occasionally performed.

Foot drop caused by trauma or nerve damage usually has partial or even complete recovery. For progressive neurological disorders, foot drop will be a symptom that is likely to continue as a lifelong disability.  People with foot drop are more likely to fall.

How can I or my loved one help improve care for people with foot drop syndrome?

Consider participating in a clinical trial so clinicians and scientists can learn more about foot drop syndrome and related disorders.  Clinical research uses human volunteers to help researchers learn more about a disorder and perhaps find better ways to safely detect, treat, or prevent disease.

All types of volunteers are needed— those who are healthy or may have an illness or disease— of all different ages, sexes, races, and ethnicities to ensure that study results apply to as many people as possible, and that treatments will be safe and effective for everyone who will use them.

For information about participating in clinical research visit NIH Clinical Research Trials and You . Learn about clinical trials currently looking for people with foot drop syndrome at Clinicaltrials.gov .

Where can I find more information about foot drop syndrome? Information on may be available from the following resource: MedlinePlus

• Patient Care & Health Information
• Diseases & Conditions

Foot drop, sometimes called drop foot, is a general term for difficulty lifting the front part of the foot. If you have foot drop, the front of your foot might drag on the ground when you walk.

Foot drop isn't a disease. Rather, it is a sign of an underlying neurological, muscular or anatomical problem.

Sometimes foot drop is temporary, but it can be permanent. If you have foot drop, you might need to wear a brace on your ankle and foot to support the foot and hold it in position.

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Foot drop makes it difficult to lift the front part of the foot, so it might drag on the floor when you walk. To help the foot clear the floor, a person with foot drop may raise the thigh more than usual when walking, as though climbing stairs. This unusual kind of walking, called steppage gait, might cause the foot to slap down onto the floor with each step. In some cases, the skin on the top of the foot and toes feels numb.

Depending on the cause, foot drop can affect one or both feet.

When to see a doctor

If your toes drag on the floor when you walk, consult your doctor.

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Foot drop is caused by weakness or paralysis of the muscles involved in lifting the front part of the foot. Causes of foot drop might include:

Nerve injury. The most common cause of foot drop is compression of a nerve in the leg that controls the muscles involved in lifting the foot. This nerve is called the peroneal nerve. A serious knee injury can lead to the nerve being compressed. It can also be injured during hip or knee replacement surgery, which may cause foot drop.

A nerve root injury — "pinched nerve" — in the spine also can cause foot drop. People who have diabetes are more susceptible to nerve disorders, which are associated with foot drop.

• Muscle or nerve disorders. Various forms of muscular dystrophy, an inherited disease that causes progressive muscle weakness, can contribute to foot drop. So can other neurologic disorders, such as polio or Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease.
• Brain and spinal cord disorders. Disorders that affect the spinal cord or brain — such as stroke, multiple sclerosis or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) — may cause foot drop.

Risk factors

The peroneal nerve controls the muscles that lift the foot. This nerve runs near the surface of the skin on the side of the knee closest to the hand. Activities that compress this nerve can increase the risk of foot drop. Examples include:

• Leg crossing. People who habitually cross their legs can compress the peroneal nerve on their uppermost leg.
• Prolonged kneeling. Occupations that involve prolonged squatting or kneeling — such as picking strawberries or laying floor tile — can result in foot drop.
• Wearing a leg cast. Plaster casts that enclose the ankle and end just below the knee can exert pressure on the peroneal nerve.
• Drake RL. Lower limb. In: Gray's Anatomy for Students. 4th ed. Elsevier; 2020. https://www.clinicalkey.com. Accessed Sept. 27, 2022.
• Foot drop information page. National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. https://www.ninds.nih.gov/Disorders/All-Disorders/Foot-Drop-Information-Page. Accessed Sept. 26, 2022.
• Rutkove SB. Overview of lower extremity peripheral nerve syndromes. https//www.uptodate.com/contents/search. Accessed Sept. 26, 2022.
• Hansen J. Lower limb. In: Netter's Clinical Anatomy. 5th ed. Elsevier; 2022. https://www.clinicalkey.com. Accessed Sept. 27, 2022.
• Foot drop treatment (tendon transfer). American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society. http://www.aofas.org/footcaremd/treatments/Pages/Foot-Drop-Treatment-(Tendon-Transfer).aspx. Accessed Sept. 26, 2022.
• McGee SR. Stance and gait. In: Evidence-Based Physical Diagnosis. 5th ed. Elsevier; 2022. https://www.clinicalkey.com. Accessed Sept. 27, 2022.
• Speelziek SJA, et al. Clinical spectrum of neuropathy after primary total knee arthroplasty: A series of 54 cases. Muscle and Nerve. 2019; doi:10.1002/mus.26473.
• Fortier LM, et al. An update on peroneal nerve entrapment and neuropathy. Orthopedic Reviews (Pavia). 2021; doi:10.52965/001c.24937.
• Peroneal nerve

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• John D Stewart
• Consultant Neurologist, Lions Gate Hospital, North Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
• Dr J D Stewart, 145 East 13th Street, #204, North Vancouver, BC V7L 2L4, Canada; john.stewart{at}telus.net

Foot drop is a common and distressing problem that can lead to falls and injury. Although the most frequent cause is a (common) peroneal neuropathy at the neck of the fibula, other causes include anterior horn cell disease, lumbar plexopathies, L5 radiculopathy and partial sciatic neuropathy. And even when the nerve lesion is clearly at the fibular neck there are a variety of causes that may not be immediately obvious; habitual leg crossing may well be the most frequent cause and most patients improve when they stop this habit. A meticulous neurological evaluation goes a long way to ascertain the site of the lesion. Nerve conduction and electromyographic studies are useful adjuncts in localising the site of injury, establishing the degree of damage and predicting the degree of recovery. Imaging is important in establishing the cause of foot drop be it at the level of the spine, along the course of the sciatic nerve or in the popliteal fossa; ultrasonography, CT and MR imaging are all useful. For patients with a severe foot drop of any cause, an ankle foot orthosis is a helpful device that enables them to walk better and more safely.

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Foot drop syndrome

Foot drop syndrome describes the inability to raise the front part of the foot due to weakness or paralysis of the muscles that lift the foot. As a result, individuals with foot drop scuff their toes along the ground or bend their knees to lift their foot higher than usual to avoid the scuffing, which causes what is called a “steppage gait."

Foot drop can be unilateral (affecting one foot) or bilateral (affecting both feet). Foot drop is a symptom of an underlying problem and is either temporary or permanent, depending on the cause.

Causes include:

• Neurodegenerative disorders of the brain that cause muscular problems, such as multiple sclerosis, stroke, and cerebral palsy
• Motor neuron disorders such as polio, some forms of spinal muscular atrophy and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (commonly known as Lou Gehrig's disease)
• Injury to the nerve roots, such as in spinal stenosis
• Peripheral nerve disorders such as Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease or acquired peripheral neuropathy
• Local compression or damage to the peroneal nerve as it passes across the fibular bone below the knee
• Muscle disorders, such as muscular dystrophy or myositis

Treatment depends on the specific cause of foot drop. The most common treatment is to support the foot with lightweight leg braces and shoe inserts, called ankle-foot orthotics. Exercise therapy to strengthen the muscles and maintain joint motion also helps to improve gait. Devices that electrically stimulate the peroneal nerve during footfall are appropriate for a small number of individuals with foot drop. In cases with permanent loss of movement, surgery that fuses the foot and ankle joint or that transfers tendons from stronger leg muscles is occasionally performed.

Foot drop caused by trauma or nerve damage usually has partial or even complete recovery. For progressive neurological disorders, foot drop will be a symptom that is likely to continue as a lifelong disability. People with foot drop are more likely to fall.

How can I or my loved one help improve care for people with foot drop syndrome?

Consider participating in a clinical trial so clinicians and scientists can learn more about foot drop syndrome and related disorders. Clinical research uses human volunteers to help researchers learn more about a disorder and perhaps find better ways to safely detect, treat, or prevent disease.

All types of volunteers are needed—those who are healthy or may have an illness or disease—of all different ages, sexes, races, and ethnicities to ensure that study results apply to as many people as possible, and that treatments will be safe and effective for everyone who will use them.

For information about participating in clinical research visit NIH Clinical Research Trials and You . Learn about clinical trials currently looking for people with foot drop syndrome at Clinicaltrials.gov .

Where can I find more information about foot drop syndrome?

Information on may be available from the following resource:

MedlinePlus

Content source: https://www.ninds.nih.gov/health-information/disorders/foot-drop-syndrome Accessed June 22, 2023.

The information in this document is for general educational purposes only. It is not intended to substitute for personalized professional advice. Although the information was obtained from sources believed to be reliable, MedLink, its representatives, and the providers of the information do not guarantee its accuracy and disclaim responsibility for adverse consequences resulting from its use. For further information, consult a physician and the organization referred to herein.

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• What Is Foot Drop?

By: Grant Cooper, MD, Physiatrist

Peer-Reviewed

Foot drop is a feeling of weakness while attempting to lift the foot and/or toes upward (dorsiflexion). 1 Bouche P. Compression and entrapment neuropathies. In: Handbook of Clinical Neurology. Elsevier; 2013:311-366. doi:10.1016/b978-0-444-52902-2.00019-9 Foot drop typically causes the individual to involuntarily drag the toes of the affected foot while attempting to walk. 2 Larson RD, Cantrell GS, Farrell JW, Lantis DJ, Pribble BA. Assessment, Consequence, and Clinical Implication of Asymmetry. In: Nutrition and Lifestyle in Neurological Autoimmune Diseases. Elsevier; 2017:127-134. doi:10.1016/b978-0-12-805298-3.00013-x To compensate for this dragging, a high steppage or slapping gait 1 Bouche P. Compression and entrapment neuropathies. In: Handbook of Clinical Neurology. Elsevier; 2013:311-366. doi:10.1016/b978-0-444-52902-2.00019-9 is attempted, where the leg is lifted higher than normal on the affected side for the toes to clear the surface. 3 Chaitow L, DeLany J. Gait analysis. In: Clinical Application of Neuromuscular Techniques, Volume 2. Elsevier; 2011:61-84. doi:10.1016/b978-0-443-06815-7.00003-6

Foot drop is a sensation of weakness when trying to lift the foot and/or toes upwards.

Foot drop is usually present when one or both of the following signs are present:

• Difficulty or inability to walk on the heels of the feet
• Loss of balance while standing without support and with the eyes closed (also called Romberg’s sign) 3 Chaitow L, DeLany J. Gait analysis. In: Clinical Application of Neuromuscular Techniques, Volume 2. Elsevier; 2011:61-84. doi:10.1016/b978-0-443-06815-7.00003-6

Foot drop may affect one or both feet at a time. 4 Katirji B. Case 8. In: Electromyography in Clinical Practice. Elsevier; 2007:143-156. doi:10.1016/b978-0-323-02899-8.50017-3

In This Article:

• Foot Drop Symptoms, Steppage Gait & Other Warning Signs
• Common Causes of Foot Drop
• Diagnosing Causes of Foot Drop
• Foot Drop Treatments

Causes of Foot Drop Video

Foot drop is the symptom of an underlying medical condition.

Spinal nerve root compression in the low back is a common cause of foot drop.

Foot drop usually occurs when there is a problem with the nerves in the lower spine, leg, or foot or the muscles of the leg and foot. 4 Katirji B. Case 8. In: Electromyography in Clinical Practice. Elsevier; 2007:143-156. doi:10.1016/b978-0-323-02899-8.50017-3

Neurological causes

Typically, if the heel strikes the floor first as the foot lands, a dysfunction of the lower spinal nerve root(s) or peripheral nerve(s) may be suspected. 3 Chaitow L, DeLany J. Gait analysis. In: Clinical Application of Neuromuscular Techniques, Volume 2. Elsevier; 2011:61-84. doi:10.1016/b978-0-443-06815-7.00003-6 Neurological causes may include one or more of the following:

See Lumbar Radiculopathy

See All About Neuropathy And Chronic Back Pain

• Lumbosacral plexopathy: Damage to a group of nerves (plexus) in the lumbar and sacral spine 6 Craig A, Richardson JK. Localized peripheral neuropathies. In: A Comprehensive Guide to Geriatric Rehabilitation. Elsevier; 2014:233-241. doi:10.1016/b978-0-7020-4588-2.00033-4

Foot drop may also occur when the nerves in the leg and/or feet are damaged due to systemic conditions or genetic disorders. A few examples include diabetes, vasculitis (inflammation of blood vessels), and hereditary neuropathy with liability to pressure palsies (HNPP). 7 Bertorini TE. A Man with Recurrent Foot Drop*. In: Neuromuscular Case Studies. Elsevier; 2008:386-392. doi:10.1016/b978-0-7506-7332-7.50068-4 Rarely, a tumor, blocked blood vessel, or bleeding in the brain may cause foot drop. 8 Dolev A, Robinson D, Yassin M. A Central Nervous System Tumor Mimicking a Lumbar Spine Pathology Causing Acute Foot Drop: A Case Report. J Orthop Case Rep. 2018;8(5):78–81. doi:10.13107/jocr.2250-0685.1222

Muscular causes

If the toes strike first as the foot lands on the floor, the cause may be weakness or paralysis of the pretibial, peroneal, or hip flexor muscles. 3 Chaitow L, DeLany J. Gait analysis. In: Clinical Application of Neuromuscular Techniques, Volume 2. Elsevier; 2011:61-84. doi:10.1016/b978-0-443-06815-7.00003-6

Foot drop vs. flail foot

While foot drop typically causes severe foot weakness, bending the foot downward or turning it to the left and/or right side is usually possible with some degree of weakness. 1 Bouche P. Compression and entrapment neuropathies. In: Handbook of Clinical Neurology. Elsevier; 2013:311-366. doi:10.1016/b978-0-444-52902-2.00019-9

It is important to distinguish foot drop from flail foot, where no ankle and/or foot movements are possible in any direction. 4 Katirji B. Case 8. In: Electromyography in Clinical Practice. Elsevier; 2007:143-156. doi:10.1016/b978-0-323-02899-8.50017-3 A flail foot may indicate a more serious condition or a medical emergency, such as cauda equina syndrome or stroke.

Watch Cauda Equina Syndrome Video

Characteristics of Foot Drop

Foot drop can occur in several ways. A few characteristics of foot drop are described below.

Foot drop may go unnoticed

It is possible to have foot drop without being aware of the symptom. Individuals may walk as usual, but intermittently or repeatedly trip over themselves or feel like their footwear is loose. These symptoms may indicate an initial stage of foot drop due to nerve dysfunction and/or muscle weakness.

Foot drop may be the only presenting symptom

A mild foot drop causing intermittent tripping or a severe form, where lifting the foot and/or walking is difficult may sometimes be the only symptom a person experiences. Foot drop without associated pain or other discomfort may occur when a nerve root, most frequently, L5 is compressed or irritated, causing muscle weakness in the leg. 5 Liu K, Zhu W, Shi J, et al. Foot drop caused by lumbar degenerative disease: clinical features, prognostic factors of surgical outcome and clinical stage. PLoS One. 2013;8(11):e80375. Published 2013 Nov 5. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0080375

Foot drop usually resolves or decreases when the cause is treated

Foot drop may resolve in a few days to weeks when the underlying condition is treated. For example, if a lumbar herniated disc causes the foot drop symptoms, as the herniation in the disc resolves, the foot drop may improve at the same time. Conversely, if the lower back condition persists, the foot drop may also remain.

If the underlying cause is left untreated, over time the foot drop may be accompanied by pain, numbness, and/or tingling.

When Foot Drop Is Serious

Your user agent does not support the HTML5 Video element.

Short video showing bowel and bladder highlighted in pink.

Foot drop with loss of bowel/bladder control requires immediate medical attention.

Sometimes, foot drop may be accompanied by certain symptoms, which may indicate serious medical conditions. A few examples of serious symptoms include:

• Severe weakness causing an inability to move the foot in any direction (flail foot)
• Severe pain and numbness
• Loss of appetite and/or weight
• Loss of bowel and/or bladder control

These symptoms may indicate medical emergencies such as cauda equina syndrome, tumors, stroke, or infections and must be treated immediately.

See Cauda Equina Syndrome

Both nonsurgical and/or surgical methods may be used for treating foot drop. Typically, nonsurgical treatments such as medication and/or physical therapy are tried first.

See Medications for Neuropathic Pain

• 1 Bouche P. Compression and entrapment neuropathies. In: Handbook of Clinical Neurology. Elsevier; 2013:311-366. doi:10.1016/b978-0-444-52902-2.00019-9
• 2 Larson RD, Cantrell GS, Farrell JW, Lantis DJ, Pribble BA. Assessment, Consequence, and Clinical Implication of Asymmetry. In: Nutrition and Lifestyle in Neurological Autoimmune Diseases. Elsevier; 2017:127-134. doi:10.1016/b978-0-12-805298-3.00013-x
• 3 Chaitow L, DeLany J. Gait analysis. In: Clinical Application of Neuromuscular Techniques, Volume 2. Elsevier; 2011:61-84. doi:10.1016/b978-0-443-06815-7.00003-6
• 4 Katirji B. Case 8. In: Electromyography in Clinical Practice. Elsevier; 2007:143-156. doi:10.1016/b978-0-323-02899-8.50017-3
• 5 Liu K, Zhu W, Shi J, et al. Foot drop caused by lumbar degenerative disease: clinical features, prognostic factors of surgical outcome and clinical stage. PLoS One. 2013;8(11):e80375. Published 2013 Nov 5. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0080375
• 6 Craig A, Richardson JK. Localized peripheral neuropathies. In: A Comprehensive Guide to Geriatric Rehabilitation. Elsevier; 2014:233-241. doi:10.1016/b978-0-7020-4588-2.00033-4
• 7 Bertorini TE. A Man with Recurrent Foot Drop*. In: Neuromuscular Case Studies. Elsevier; 2008:386-392. doi:10.1016/b978-0-7506-7332-7.50068-4
• 8 Dolev A, Robinson D, Yassin M. A Central Nervous System Tumor Mimicking a Lumbar Spine Pathology Causing Acute Foot Drop: A Case Report. J Orthop Case Rep. 2018;8(5):78–81. doi:10.13107/jocr.2250-0685.1222

Dr. Grant Cooper is a physiatrist with several years of clinical experience, specializing in the non-surgical treatment of spine, joint, and muscle pain. He is the Co-Founder and Co-Director of Princeton Spine and Joint Center and the Co-Director of the Interventional Spine Program.

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Foot Drop, Peroneal Nerve Injury - Everything You Need To Know - Dr. Nabil Ebraheim

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Dr. Ebraheim’s educational animated video describes the condition known as foot.drop , which occurs due to Peroneal nerve injury . Causes and treatment of Peroneal nerve injury is outlined . What is foot drop? The inability to raise the front part of the foot due to weakness or paralysis of the tibialis anterior muscle that lifts the foot. A common symptom of foot drop is high steppage gait often characterized by raising the thigh up in an exaggerated fashion while walking. When the person with foot drop walks, the foot slaps down onto the floor. Foot drop usually results from injury to the peroneal nerve which is susceptible to injury at any point of its course. The peroneal nerve begins from the L4,L5, S1 and S2 nerve roots and joins the tibial nerve to form the sciatic nerve. The sciatic nerve starts n the lower back and runs through the buttock and lower limb. In the lower thigh, just above the back of the knee, the sciatic nerve divides into two nerve, the tibial and peroneal nerves, which innervate different parts of the lower leg. The common peroneal nerve then ravels anterior, around the fibular neck, dividing into superficial and deep peroneal nerves. The deep peroneal nerve gives innervation to the tibialis anterior muscle of the lower leg which is responsible for dorsiflexion of the ankle. Conditions causing foot drop: 1-L4-L5 disc herniation A herniated disc compressing the L5 nerve root may cause foot drop. 2-Lumbosacral plexus injury due to pelvic fracture 3-Sciatic nerve injury: hip dislocation The common peroneal division of the sciatic nerve is commonly injured during fracture dislocation injuries involving the hip. 4-Injury to the knee: kee dislocation In the event of a knee dislocation, it is important to check for common peroneal nerve and popliteal artery injury. 5-Established compartment syndrome •Foot drop is a late finding •Irreversible muscle and nerve ischemia occur in patients if fasciotomy is not performed. •Fasciotomy should be done early. •4 hours of ischemia may be tolerated, but by 8 hours, the damage is often irreversible. Treatment of peroneal nerve injury/foot drop: •If a disc herniation in the low back is impinging on the nerve and causing symptoms of foot drop, then the herniated disc should be treated or removed. •Obtain EMG and nerve studies of the patient. •Recovery may take 1 year to 18 months. •The big toe is the last to recover. •If no recovery is achieved, explore the nerve for repair, graft or tendon transfer. Please go to the following link and support the artist Johnny Widmer in his art contest - Sign to Facebook and click LIKE https://www.facebook.com/marlinmag/photos/a.10153261748858040.1073741838.134227843039/10153261754338040/?type=3&theater Thank you! https://www.facebook.com/JohnnyWidmerArt?fref=ts http://www.johnnywidmer.com/

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Clinical problem-solving. Waiting for the other foot to drop

Affiliation.

• 1 Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, USA.
• PMID: 23738548
• DOI: 10.1056/NEJMcps1210603

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Foot drop , sometimes called "drop foot," is the inability to lift the front part of the foot. This causes the toes to drag along the ground while walking.

To avoid dragging the toes, people with foot drop may lift their knee higher than normal. Or they may swing their leg in a wide arc.

Foot drop can happen to one foot or both feet at the same time. It can strike at any age.

In general, foot drop stems from weakness or paralysis of the muscles that lift the foot. It can have many different causes. Treatments for foot drop vary according to the cause.

Here's a look at the most common causes and treatments for foot drop.

What Causes Foot Drop?

Foot drop is a symptom of an underlying problem, rather than a disease itself. It can be temporary or permanent. Causes of foot drop include:

• Nerve injury
• Brain or spinal disorders
• Muscle disorders

Here's some more detail on these causes:

Nerve injury. Most commonly, foot drop is caused by an injury to the peroneal nerve. The peroneal nerve is a branch of the sciatic nerve that wraps from the back of the knee to the front of the shin. Because it sits very close to the surface, it may be damaged easily.

An injury to the peroneal nerve may also be associated with pain or numbness along the shin or the top of the foot.

Some common ways the peroneal nerve is damaged or compressed include:

• Sports injuries
• Hip or knee replacement surgery
• Spending long hours sitting cross-legged or squatting
• Time spent in a leg cast

Injury to the nerve roots in the spine may also cause foot drop.

Brain or spinal disorders. Neurological conditions can contribute to foot drop. These include:

• Multiple sclerosis (MS)
• Cerebral palsy
• Charcot-Marie- Tooth disease

Muscle disorders . Conditions that cause the muscles to progressively weaken or deteriorate may cause foot drop. These include:

• Muscular dystrophy
• Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (Lou Gehrig's disease)

How Do Doctors Treat Foot Drop?

Treatment for foot drop will depend on the cause. Early treatment may improve chances of recovery.

Treatments may include:

• Lightweight braces
• Shoe inserts (orthotics)
• Physical therapy

Lightweight braces are the most common treatment. They're used to support the leg.

Physical therapy is used to strengthen foot and leg muscles. It may improve a person's ability to walk. In some cases, electronic devices that stimulate the leg nerves during walking may be appropriate.

Surgery may be recommended to try to repair or decompress a damaged nerve. In cases where foot drop is permanent, surgery to fuse the foot and ankle joint or to transfer tendons from stronger muscles may help improve gait and stability.

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foot-drop-cps-mp4

• July 29, 2020 July 29, 2020