ANSWERS: 1
  • Drop foot, interchangeably called foot drop, is a deformity caused by different underlying conditions that affect a person's ability to walk. It is often accompanied by pain, muscle weakness and loss of function.

    Features

    Those with drop foot suffer from gait deviation in which they have difficulty raising their foot, which usually slaps on the floor when walking. Raising the thigh excessively is usually done to raise the foot and prevent it from slapping to the ground. Muscle weakness also occurs on the affected foot.

    Effects

    Having drop foot may affect a person's quality of life. Immediate treatment and management is required to prevent progressive damage.

    Nerve Injury

    Injury to the peroneal nerve is a common culprit of drop foot. It is the nerve that supplies the foot with its motor function and is susceptible to impingement and spinal cord injury.

    Underlying Conditions

    Underlying neuromuscular and medical conditions with drop foot as a symptom include stroke, motor neuron disease, muscular disorders, spinal cord injuries, brain injuries, multiple sclerosis and diabetes.

    Recovery Rate

    The underlying cause of drop foot affects the rate of recovery of the deformity. Neurological causes may result in permanent disability, whereas minor trauma and nerve compression have better outcomes with physical therapy and orthotic management.

    Source:

    Foot-care.org: Dropped Foot Syndrome

    Spineuniverse.com: Drop Foot and Steppage Gait

    Wrongdiagnosis.com: Causes of Foot Drop

    More Information:

    Emedicine.medscape.com: Foot Drop

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