Foot drop, a problem that makes it difficult to lift the front of the foot

Definition

What is a foot drop?

Foot drop is the inability to lift the front of the foot. This causes the toes to drag on the ground while walking.

Foot drop is not a disease. However, foot drop is a sign of nerve, muscle, or anatomical problems.

Sometimes the foot drop is temporary. In other cases, foot drop is a permanent condition. If you have foot drop, you may need braces in the ankles and feet to hold the foot in a normal position.

How common is foot drop?

This condition can occur in patients of any age. Foot drop can be treated by reducing risk factors. Talk to your doctor for more information.

Signs & symptoms

What are the signs and symptoms of foot drop?

Foot drop makes it difficult to lift the front of your foot, so that it drags on the floor as you walk. As a result, you may lift your thighs when you walk, such as climbing a ladder (steppage gait). This way of walking can cause you to slap your feet on the floor with every step you take. In some cases, the skin on the tops of the feet and toes can feel numb.

Foot drop generally only affects one foot. Depending on the cause, it is possible for both feet to have this condition.

There may be signs and symptoms not listed above. If you have concerns about a particular symptom, consult your doctor.

When should I see a doctor?

If your feet drag on the floor while walking, consult a doctor.

If you have any signs or symptoms above or any other questions, please consult your doctor. Everyone's body is different. Always consult a doctor to treat your health condition.

Cause

What causes foot drop?

Foot drop is caused by weakness or paralysis of the muscles involved when lifting the front of the foot. The causes of foot drop vary and can include:

• Nerve injury. The main cause of foot drop is compression of the nerves in the foot that control the muscles responsible for lifting the foot. This nerve can also be injured during hip or knee replacement surgery, which can cause foot drop. Pinched nerve injury to the spine can also cause foot drop. People with diabetes are more prone to neurological disorders, which are associated with foot drop.
• Muscle or nerve disorders. Various types of muscular dystrophy, an inherited disease that causes progressive muscle weakness, can contribute to foot drop. Other disorders, such as polio or Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease, can also cause foot drop.
• Brain and spinal cord disorders. Disorders that affect the spinal cord or brain - such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), multiple sclerosis or stroke - can cause foot drop.

Risk factors

What increases my risk for foot drop?

The peroneus nerve controls the muscles that lift the leg. This nerve is located on the surface of the skin on the side of the knee closest to the hand. Activities that press on these nerves can increase the risk of foot drop, such as:

• Cross legs. People who have a habit of crossing their legs can press on the peroneal nerves in the legs above.
• Kneeling too long. Jobs that involve prolonged squatting or kneeling - such as picking strawberries or flooring - can cause foot drops.
• Apply a cast on the leg. The plaster cast around the ankle below the knee can put pressure on the peroneal nerve.

Medicines & Medicines

The information provided is not a substitute for medical advice. ALWAYS consult your doctor.

How is foot drop diagnosed?

Foot drop is usually diagnosed by a physical exam. Your doctor will watch you walk and see the amount of weakness in your leg muscles. The doctor can also check for numbness in the shins and the tops of the feet and toes. In some cases, additional tests are recommended.

Foot drop is sometimes caused by an overgrowth of bone in the spinal canal or by a tumor or cyst pressing on the nerves in the knee or spine. Imaging tests can show these problems.

• X-ray. X-rays use low radiation to show soft tissue or injury to the bone that could be causing symptoms.
• Ultrasound. This technology uses sound waves to create images of internal structures. Ultrasound can be used to view cysts or tumors that may be pressing on nerves.
• Computerized tomography (CT) scan. Computerized tomography combines X-ray images taken from several different angles to form a cross-sectional view of the body's structures.
• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). This test uses radio waves and a strong magnetic field to produce detailed images. MRI is especially useful for showing soft tissue injuries that might be pressing on a nerve.
• Electromyography (EMG) and nerve conduction studies measure electrical activity in muscles and nerves. This test may be uncomfortable, but it is very useful in determining the location of damage to nerves.

What are the treatments for foot drop?

Treatment for foot drop depends on the cause. If the cause is resolved, foot drop can improve or even disappear. If the cause cannot be resolved, foot drop may be a permanent condition. Specific treatments for foot drop can include:

• Holder or splint. Supports on the ankle and foot or a splint that fits into the shoe can help hold the foot in its normal position.
• Physical therapy. Exercises that strengthen leg muscles and maintain range of motion in the knees and ankles can correct gait problems associated with foot drop. Stretching exercises are important to prevent increasing stiffness in the heel.
• Nerve stimulation. Sometimes stimulating the nerve that lifts the foot can improve foot drop.
• Operation. It depends on the cause, and if the foot drop is relatively recent, neurosurgery can help. If the foot drop has been ongoing for a long time, the doctor may suggest surgery to attach the ankle or leg bone or a procedure that moves the tendon to another position.

Home remedies

What are some lifestyle changes or home remedies that can be done to treat foot drop?

Here are some lifestyle and home remedies that can help you deal with foot drop:

• Keep the floor from falling apart
• Avoid carpets
• Remove power cords from the walkway
• Make sure the room and stairs are well lit.
• Attach fluorescent tape to the top and bottom of the steps.

If you have any questions, consult your doctor for the best solution to your problem.