Identification

Drop foot may also be referred to as foot drop, and is a condition in which the weakening of the muscles that flex the toes and ankle cause the foot to drag while walking.

Symptoms

The most common symptom of foot drop is the raising of the thigh, higher than normal while walking. This is an exaggerated movement and often resembles the gait someone uses to climb stairs. The gait is often accompanied by dragging the foot while walking, the scraping of the toes on the ground, muscle atrophy, a swinging hip motion, tingling of the foot and a limp foot.

Causes

Drop foot is often a result of an underlying medical condition. Some causes may be an injury, lower back condition, a tumor, a stroke, diabetes, Parkinson's disease, motor neuron disease and multiple sclerosis.

Diagnosis

The doctor will take a patient history, perform a visual examination and order diagnostic tests (such as an MRI) to assist in the diagnosis. Blood work may also be ordered to screen for metabolic causes such as toxins, alcohol or diabetes.

Considerations

If you have foot drop, it is important to see a doctor for a correct diagnosis. Foot drop can be a sign of an underlying medical condition.

Source:

Spine-Health.com: Foot Drop Causes

Mato Clinic: Foot drop