What Are the Treatments for Foot Drop?

Foot drop is also referred to as drop foot. This is a condition that can result from being bedridden for a long time and, consequently, an individual can no longer lift the foot at the ankle joint. An individual can be born with this condition or develop it as a result of having extremely high arches. Sometimes it is the result of a neurological issue.

Circumduction and Steppage Gait

The toes drag on the ground when an individual with foot drop tries to walk. This can cause a person to trip and fall. Furthermore, it results in instability. To compensate for foot drop, an individual will swing his leg outward (circumduction) so that his foot won't drag against the ground, according to Footankle.com. Another technique is to utilize the hip muscles, which exaggerates the lift of the foot so, again, it won't drag against the ground. This is called steppage gait.

AFOs

Ankle-foot orthotics, or AFOs, can be used to treat drop foot. An orthotic is a brace. The Foot and Ankle Center of Washington explains that there are various orthotics available. Your podiatrist will select the one that best suits your needs. They include solid ankle AFOs, with or without posterior stop and with or without dorsiflexion assist; short leg fixed AFOs; dorsiflexion assist short leg AFOs; full leg posterior leaf spring AFOs; and energy-return AFOs.

Dorsiflexion and Plantarflexion

When treating drop foot, the motions that occur at the ankle joint must be taken into consideration so that the condition may be treated appropriately. The motions include dorsiflexion and plantarflexion. Dorsiflexion occurs when the foot points up. When the foot comes off of the ground as a person is walking, the foot needs to be able to point upward so the toes are not dragged against the ground. Plantarflexion occurs when the toes are pointed downward and requires ankle joint motion as well.

Additional Treatments

Other treatments for foot drop include shoe inserts and exercise therapy to build up the muscles in the foot and leg. Exercise will help an individual maintain joint mobility, which will improve his walk or gait. In some cases, electrical devices can be used that will stimulate the peroneal nerve when foot drop is occurring. According to MedlinePlus, the peroneal nerve is part of the sciatic nerve. This nerve provides sensation to the foot, toes and lower leg and supplies movement. If this nerve is not functioning properly, it may be the result of peripheral neuropathy, which means that damage has been done to the nerves that are located outside of the spinal cord or the brain.

Surgery

Surgery can be an option in extreme cases. The foot and ankle joint can be fused or tendons from the stronger leg can be transferred to the foot that is experiencing foot drop.

References

• Foot and Ankle Center of Washington
• MedlinePlus