Foot Drop

 

A muscle weakness in the front part of the foot that results in the dragging of toes while walking is known as foot drop. It is a symptom of some underlying problem;  nerve damage, brain/spinal disorders, or muscle disorders.

The most common cause of foot drop is an injury to the peroneal nerve, which wraps from the back of the knee to the front of the shin. This type of damage can stem from a sports injury, diabetes, a hip or knee replacement, and other factors. Neurological conditions such as stroke, multiple sclerosis and cerebral palsy can contribute to foot drop. Muscle disorders such as muscular dystrophy, Lou Gehrig’s disease and polio can also be the culprit of the disease.

Treatment for foot drop depends on the cause. Treatment can include:

·         braces used to support the leg

·         orthotics to stabilize the foot

·         physical therapy to strengthen foot and leg muscles

·         surgery to repair damaged nerves

Foot drop can be permanent or temporary depending on the underlying problem. It can happen to one foot or both feet and it can affect a person of any age. Early treatment is key, so be sure to seek medical advice if you experience foot drop.

Image by Craig Cloutier. Manhattan Stroll. (2008). Flickr.