About this topic
Foot drop happens when the muscles in your foot become weak. These muscles control your ankle and toes. They help your body balance and control your foot while walking. Damage to the nerves in your foot makes the muscles become weak. When the muscles are weak, your foot may become misshapen. Then, you may lose your balance, not be able to lift your foot, or drag your foot when you walk. ‚
Foot drop happens when you have problems: ‚
- Lifting your foot off the ground
- Raising your foot at the ankle
- Pointing your toes toward your body
- Moving your foot at the ankle inward or outward
- Walking normally in the heel-to-toe position
Foot drop is not a disease. It is a sign of some other health problems related to nerve damage. You may have foot drop in one or both feet. It may only last a short time or may last forever. ‚
What are the causes?
- Nerve damage to the feet
- Muscle weakness
- Injury to the back or leg
- An underlying illnesses that:
- Affects the brain and spine like multiple sclerosis or cerebral palsy
- Weakens your muscle or muscle loss like muscular dystrophy
What can make this more likely to happen?
- If you often cross your legs at the knee
- You squat or kneel for a long period of time
- If you are wearing a cast that stops just below your knee on your lower leg
- Any past surgery on the hip or knee joints
- Use of certain drugs
What are the main signs?
- Trouble lifting the front part of your foot
- Problems walking. You may slap or drag your foot on the ground when you walk. You may scrape, rub, or trip on your toes. You may need to lift your foot higher than normal to avoid this problem.
- Toes that point away from the body when your foot is relaxed
- Tingling or numbness of your foot and ankle
- Weak foot and legs
How does the doctor diagnose this health problem?
Your doctor will take your history and do an exam. Your doctor will check your foot and look for any deformities that may be pressing on your nerves or spinal cord. You may be asked to walk on your heels. If you have problems with this, you may have drop foot. The doctor may order tests like: ‚
- X-rays
- Ultrasound
- CT or MRI scan
- Electromyelogram (EMG)
How does the doctor treat this health problem?
Your treatment will depend on what is causing your foot drop. ‚
- You may be given special shoes to wear. You may also wear a special brace to support your ankle and foot. It is called an ankle-foot orthosis.
- Physical therapy may help strengthen your leg muscles. This may also help with your walking.
- You may need an electrical device to stimulate the nerves and foot muscles.
- You may need surgery. This is based on what is causing your foot drop. Ask your doctor if surgery is right for you.
Are there other health problems to treat?
You may have other health problems which are causing your foot drop. These may also need to be treated. ‚
What drugs may be needed?
The doctor may order drugs to: ‚
- Help with pain and swelling
- Treat muscle weakness and numbness
Will there be any other care needed?
- You may have trouble putting weight on your foot. You may use crutches or have someone help you when you walk.
- If your foot often gets numb, take good care of that foot. Do not walk barefoot. Wear well fitted-shoes and socks to protect your feet from injury. Check for any sores, calluses, or cracks and tell your doctor right away.
Where can I learn more?
National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke ‚
http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/foot_drop/foot_drop.htm#Is_there_any_treatment ‚
NHS Choices ‚
http://www.nhs.uk/conditions/foot-drop/Pages/Introduction.aspx ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
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Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚