FOOT DROP
Foot drop can turn everyday walking into a frustrating challenge, causing trips, falls, and limiting your mobility. Our experienced podiatry team offers effective treatments to help you regain control of your movement.
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WHAT IS FOOT DROP?
Foot drop is a condition where you have difficulty lifting the front part of your foot, causing your toes to drag on the ground when you walk. Unlike many foot conditions caused by pressure or friction, foot drop stems from weakness or paralysis of the muscles that control ankle and toe movement.
When you have foot drop, you might notice:
- Your foot slaps against the ground with each step
- Your toes catch on uneven surfaces, increasing your risk of trips and falls
- You lift your knee higher than normal to avoid dragging your toes
- Walking becomes more tiring and less stable
Foot drop isn’t a disease itself but a symptom of an underlying problem affecting the nerves or muscles controlling foot movement. It can affect one or both feet and may be temporary or permanent depending on the cause.
WHAT CAUSES FOOT DROP?
Foot drop occurs when the nerves or muscles controlling ankle and toe movement are damaged or impaired. Understanding the specific cause of your foot drop is crucial for determining the most effective treatment approach. During your assessment, we’ll conduct a thorough examination to determine the impacts that foot drop is having on you.
Several underlying issues can lead to this condition:
The most common cause of foot drop is injury to the peroneal nerve, which controls the muscles that lift your foot. This nerve can be damaged due to:
- Knee injuries or fractures
- Hip or knee replacement surgery
- Back issues
- Prolonged kneeling or squatting
- Diabetes-related nerve damage (neuropathy)
Conditions that affect muscle strength and function can lead to foot drop, including:
- Muscular dystrophy
- Polio
- Motor neuron disease
Damage to your central nervous system can interrupt the signals to your foot muscles, such as with:
- Stroke
- Multiple sclerosis
- Cerebral palsy
- Spinal cord injury
Sometimes foot drop stems from abnormal foot structure or function that affects how weight is distributed through your foot when walking.
HOW CAN FOOT DROP BE TREATED?
Treating foot drop focuses on addressing the underlying cause while supporting proper foot function during walking. The best treatment approach will depend on your specific circumstances, the severity of your symptoms, and the cause of your condition. The aim of foot drop treatment is to improve your walking ability, reduce your risk of falls, and keep you comfortable and active. With proper treatment and management, many people with foot drop can maintain their mobility and continue enjoying their daily activities with greater confidence and safety.
- Ankle-Foot Orthoses (AFO): These custom-fitted braces are designed to lift the front of your foot whilst you walk and stabilise the foot and ankle. They can greatly improve the way that you walk and increase your mobility.
- Foot Orthoses: These are prescription medical devices that insert into your shoe to improve foot function and reduce strain on damaged tissues.
- Strengthening exercises target the muscles that lift your foot, improving their function and potentially reducing symptoms.
- Stretching routines help prevent stiffness and maintain range of motion in your ankle joint.
- Gait training teaches you adapted walking patterns to improve stability and reduce fall risk.
- Shoes with good ankle support and a firm heel cup can improve foot stability.
- High-top shoes provide additional ankle support during walking.
- Lightweight shoes reduce fatigue during walking.
- Nerve decompression may be helpful if your foot drop is caused by nerve compression.
- Tendon transfer surgery can reroute functioning tendons to substitute for muscles affected by foot drop.
- Fusion of the ankle joint (arthrodesis) might be considered in severe cases to stabilise the foot in a functional position.
- Although MyFootMedic does not offer surgical solutions for foot drop, we are well connected to surgeons who specialise in these procedures.
LET’S ANSWER YOUR FOOT DROP QUESTIONS!
Damage to the peroneal nerve is the most common cause of foot drop. This important nerve controls the muscles that lift your foot, and when injured, it disrupts the signals between your brain and these muscles. The peroneal nerve can become damaged in several ways, including direct injury from knee dislocation or fracture, compression from habitually crossing your legs or prolonged kneeling. Other significant causes include diabetes-related nerve damage, stroke, multiple sclerosis, and certain spinal conditions. While nerve damage is the primary culprit, the specific cause varies between individuals, which is why a thorough assessment is essential for determining the most effective treatment approach for your particular situation.
The first symptom most people notice with foot drop is a change in their walking pattern. You may find your foot slapping against the ground with each step, or you might catch your toes on the floor or carpet, causing you to stumble unexpectedly. Many patients report needing to lift their knee higher than normal when walking to prevent their toes from dragging. This altered gait pattern often leads to increased fatigue during walking, even for short distances. You might also notice that previously simple tasks like climbing stairs or walking on uneven surfaces suddenly become challenging and require more concentration. These initial symptoms typically appear gradually, though they can develop suddenly following an injury or medical event that affects the nerves or muscles controlling foot movement.
Several conditions can mimic foot drop symptoms, leading to potential misdiagnosis. Ankle sprains or tendonitis often cause temporary weakness and altered walking patterns that resemble foot drop. Peripheral neuropathy, especially from diabetes, creates numbness and reduced sensation that affects foot control similarly to foot drop. Arthritis in the ankle joint can restrict movement and force compensatory walking patterns that look like foot dragging. Muscular fatigue from overexertion might temporarily impact foot lifting ability. Even severe causes of foot pain can cause a protective walking style where you avoid placing weight on the affected foot, resembling foot drop gait. A thorough assessment by our podiatry team is essential to distinguish foot drop from these similar conditions, as the treatment approaches differ significantly based on the correct diagnosis.
Foot drop warrants prompt attention rather than worry. While not usually life-threatening, untreated foot drop increases your risk of trips and falls, which can lead to serious injuries, especially for older adults. The condition can also cause adaptations in your walking pattern that may trigger pain in your knees, hips, and back over time. Many people with foot drop find their daily activities and independence restricted as they become hesitant to walk on uneven surfaces or in poorly lit areas. The good news is that most cases respond well to treatment, particularly when addressed early. The underlying cause determines both the outlook and treatment approach, which is why professional assessment is essential. By seeking treatment promptly, you can maintain your mobility and continue enjoying an active lifestyle without the constant concern of stumbling.
Whether foot drop resolves depends largely on its underlying cause and how quickly treatment begins. In cases where foot drop results from temporary compression of the peroneal nerve, such as from crossing your legs or kneeling for long periods, symptoms often improve once the pressure is relieved. Foot drop caused by inflammatory conditions may resolve with proper treatment of the underlying issue. However, when foot drop stems from more severe nerve damage, muscle disorders, or neurological conditions, it may be permanent or only partially improve. Early intervention is crucial — the longer foot drop persists without treatment, the less likely complete recovery becomes. During your assessment, we’ll evaluate the specific factors affecting your condition and develop a treatment plan focused on maximising your functional improvement, whether that means complete recovery or effective management of ongoing symptoms.
Whether your foot drop symptoms are recent or longstanding, proper assessment and treatment can significantly improve your walking ability and quality of life. Our experienced podiatry team specialises in treating foot drop and developing personalised treatment plans that address your specific needs. We understand how frustrating and concerning foot problems can be, especially when they affect your daily activities and increase your risk of falls. Don’t let foot drop hold you back from the activities you love. Book an appointment today, and take the first step toward improved mobility, greater stability, and the confidence to walk without worry.
