What is Foot Drop?
Foot Drop is a condition where a person has difficulty lifting the front part of their foot, causing it to drag when walking. It’s not a disease itself but a symptom of an underlying neurological, muscular, or anatomical problem. Foot Drop can be temporary or permanent depending on the cause.
What causes Foot Drop?
Foot Drop occurs due to weakness or paralysis of the muscles that lift the foot. This may result from:
- Nerve injury (especially the peroneal nerve near the knee)
- Muscle disorders (like muscular dystrophy)
- Brain or spinal cord disorders (stroke, multiple sclerosis, cerebral palsy)
- Compression injuries (prolonged kneeling, crossing legs, or tight casts)
- Herniated disc or spinal trauma
Who is at risk?
You may be at risk for Foot Drop if you:
- Have had recent surgery, especially hip or knee operations
- Sit or kneel for long periods
- Have neurological disorders like stroke or MS
- Have diabetes, which increases the risk of nerve damage
- Wear a leg cast that compresses the peroneal nerve
What are the symptoms of Foot Drop?
Common signs and symptoms include:
- Difficulty lifting the front part of the foot
- Dragging the toes while walking
- High-stepping walk (steppage gait) to prevent dragging
- Slapping of the foot on the ground
- Numbness or tingling on the top of the foot or shin
Symptoms can affect one or both feet, depending on the cause.
How is Foot Drop diagnosed?
Diagnosis typically involves:
- Physical examination to assess muscle strength and gait
- Nerve conduction studies and electromyography (EMG) to check nerve and muscle function
- MRI or CT scans to detect brain, spine, or nerve root problems
- Ultrasound to visualize soft tissues and nerve damage
A thorough medical history is also important to determine the cause.
How is Foot Drop treated?
Treatment depends on the underlying cause and severity:
- Bracing or splints
An ankle-foot orthosis (AFO) helps support the foot and keep it in a normal position. - Physical therapy
Exercises improve strength, flexibility, and walking ability. - Nerve stimulation
Electrical stimulation may help activate the foot-lifting muscles. - Surgery
In severe or long-standing cases, surgical options like nerve decompression or tendon transfer may be considered. - Treatment of the underlying condition
Managing conditions like diabetes, stroke, or herniated discs can help relieve symptoms.
Can Foot Drop be cured?
In some cases, especially when caused by temporary nerve compression or minor injury, Foot Drop may improve or fully resolve with time and proper treatment. However, if the nerve damage is severe or longstanding, full recovery may not be possible, and long-term bracing or support might be needed.
How can Foot Drop be prevented?
While not all causes are preventable, you can reduce the risk by:
- Avoiding prolonged pressure on the legs (e.g., crossing legs too long)
- Using proper technique and support during surgery recovery
- Managing underlying conditions like diabetes
- Practicing safe movement and posture to avoid nerve injury