Drop Foot
Drop foot is a condition characterized by the inability to lift the foot at the ankle. This results in the forefoot dragging or scraping on the ground when walking. To compensate, patients will attempt to raise their thighs when walking, as though climbing stairs, resulting in a special type of gait known as “steppage gait.”
Causes:
This is often caused by nerve disorder, muscle disorder, or central nervous system disorder. Risk factors for development of drop foot includes crossing your legs, prolonged kneeling, or wearing a leg cast.
Diagnosis:
Physical exam which includes gait exam, joint range of motion, muscle strength testing, reflexes is important. If overgrowth of bone is suspected to cause the drop foot, then imaging such as X-ray, CT scan or MRI can be ordered.
Electromyography (EMG) and nerve conduction studies can be ordered to determine the location and damage along the affected nerve.
Treatment:
Treatment of drop foot depends on the cause. Below are a few options for treatment of drop foot.
Drop foot is a condition characterized by the inability to lift the foot at the ankle. This results in the forefoot dragging or scraping on the ground when walking. To compensate, patients will attempt to raise their thighs when walking, as though climbing stairs, resulting in a special type of gait known as “steppage gait.”
Causes:
This is often caused by nerve disorder, muscle disorder, or central nervous system disorder. Risk factors for development of drop foot includes crossing your legs, prolonged kneeling, or wearing a leg cast.
Diagnosis:
Physical exam which includes gait exam, joint range of motion, muscle strength testing, reflexes is important. If overgrowth of bone is suspected to cause the drop foot, then imaging such as X-ray, CT scan or MRI can be ordered.
Electromyography (EMG) and nerve conduction studies can be ordered to determine the location and damage along the affected nerve.
Treatment:
Treatment of drop foot depends on the cause. Below are a few options for treatment of drop foot.
- Braces or splints
- Physical therapy
- Nerve stimulation
- Surgery