Foot drop is a muscular weakness or paralysis which makes it difficult to lift the front part of your foot and toes. This can cause you to drag your foot on the ground making it difficult to walk. It is a sign of an underlying problem rather than a condition itself. It can be muscular, caused by nerve damage in the leg, or the result of a brain or spinal injury or a neurological condition such as Multiple Sclerosis or Parkinson's.

Whether foot drop is permanent or not depends on the underlying cause and individual circumstances. In some cases, foot drop can be temporary and may resolve with appropriate treatment and rehabilitation. However, in other cases, it can be a chronic or long-term condition.

Dragging of the foot: Difficulty in lifting the foot may result in dragging the toes or the foot along the ground while walking.

Weakness in the foot and ankle: The muscles responsible for dorsiflexion (lifting the foot upwards) may weaken, leading to a feeling of weakness or instability in the foot and ankle.

High-stepping gait: To compensate for the dropped foot, people with foot drop may exhibit a high-stepping gait pattern by raising their thigh higher than usual to clear the foot while walking, climbing stairs or stepping over obstacles.

Foot slapping: When walking, the foot may slap against the ground with each step due to the lack of control over foot movement.

Numbness or tingling: Depending on the underlying cause of foot drop, individuals may experience numbness or tingling sensations in the foot or lower leg.

Muscle atrophy: Prolonged foot drop can result in muscle wasting or atrophy, particularly in the muscles of the lower leg and foot.

Tripping or stumbling: It is common for people with foot drop to experience tripping or stumbling as their foot does not lift as they expect it to.

It's important to note that foot drop is a symptom itself and not a specific condition. Therefore, identifying and addressing the underlying cause of foot drop is crucial for appropriate treatment. If you are experiencing symptoms of foot drop, it is advisable to consult with a healthcare professional for a proper evaluation and diagnosis.

The treatment options for foot drop depend on the underlying cause and severity of the condition. Here are some common treatment options used to help with foot drop:

Physiotherapy: Physical therapy plays a crucial role in treating foot drop. It focuses on strengthening the muscles, improving range of motion, and enhancing gait and balance. Therapists may use exercises, stretches, and electrical stimulation to stimulate muscle contraction and help regain control of foot movement.

Ankle-foot orthosis (AFO): AFO is a brace that supports the foot and ankle, preventing it from dropping while walking. It keeps the foot in a dorsiflexed position and assists with lifting the foot during the swing phase of walking.

Functional electrical stimulation (FES): FES uses electrical impulses to stimulate the muscles and improve foot movement. It may involve the use of an FES device that delivers electrical signals to the affected muscles, helping to lift the foot during walking.

Home Exercises: Consistent exercising can help with strengthening the weakened muscles while maximising your foot drop recovery. Some exercises include toe raises, heel to toe walk, lifting a ball with your feet and resistance band dorsiflexion.

Yes, physiotherapy for Foot Drop will aim to reduce the impact of reduced active movement at the ankle and improve the efficiency of your walking.

A Physiotherapist will put together an individual treatment plan based on your needs and goals, however treatment could include:

Benefits of Physiotherapy:

• Improved mobility

• Reduced risk of falls

• Improved confidence

• Improved muscle strength

• Reduced muscle stiffness

It's important to understand that the recovery process for foot drop can vary for each individual. Rehabilitation may take time, consistency, and patience. Working closely with healthcare professionals and following their guidance will give you the best chance of regaining function and potentially being able to run again without the need of equipment.

With the right equipment or device you may be able to achieve more freedom and independence,helping you to walk, run and even hike. Check out the before and after video below. Candece tried on the Turbomed Xtern AFO and results speak for themselves. Candee described the Turbomed Xtern AFO as "Fantastic'" saying it eliminated her foot drop, made her leg less heavy and easier to lift.

Yes, specific foot drop exercises can help improve the symptoms associated with foot drop. These exercises primarily target the muscles involved in foot and ankle movement. By strengthening and conditioning these muscles, foot drop exercises can enhance muscle control and improve the ability to lift the foot during walking. Below are our top five-foot drop exercises:

Ankle Eversion: Put your foot flat onto the ground and then proceed to lift the outside edge of your foot and toes up and relax your foot back down. Repeat this movement 10 times.

Ankle Toe Movements: Sit with your legs extended and slowly point your toes toward your head and then away from your head. Repeat this movement 10 times.

Resistance Band Exercises: Secure a resistance band around a sturdy object (table leg) and loop it around your foot. Sit on a chair and pull your foot back and forward against the resistance of the band, performing ankle dorsiflexion. Repeat this movement 10 times.

Toe to Heel Rocks: Stand in front of a chair or wall, or another sturdy object you can hold onto for support. Rock your weight forward and rise up onto your toes. Hold this position for 5 seconds. Next, rock your weight backwards onto your heels and lift your toes off the ground. Hold for 5 seconds. Repeat this movement up to 5 times.

Toes curls: Sit down and placed a towel or large tissue on a hard floor in front of you. Try to scrunch the towel/tissue up using your toes. Then try to smooth it out using your toes. Repeat the movements up to 5 times.

Foot drop can be caused by various underlying conditions that affect the nerves, muscles, or bones involved in foot movement. Some common causes of foot drop include:

Nerve damage: Damage to the nerves that control the muscles involved in foot movement is one of the primary causes of foot drop. This damage can result from conditions such peroneal nerve injury.

Sciatica: Compression or irritation of the sciatic nerve.

Herniated disc: A herniated disc in the lower back can put pressure on the nerves that control foot movement, resulting in foot drop.

Muscular disorders: These may include muscular dystrophy, polio, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).

Stroke or brain/spinal cord injuries: stroke, traumatic brain injury (TBI), spinal cord injury, multiple sclerosis (MS)