Drop foot is a condition that takes away the ability to flex the ankle upward. Drop foot is not a disease or illness but a deformity resulting from muscular, neurological and anatomical problems affecting the gait and walking ability of the affected individual.

Causes

The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke cites neurological disorders, such as nerve impingement, peripheral neuropathy, peroneal nerve compression and spinal stenosis, as causes of foot drop. Degenerative neurological disorders such as multiple sclerosis, stroke and cerebral palsy may also cause drop foot. Polio, spinal muscular atrophy and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis are common motor neuron disorders that may cause drop foot.

Features

Drop foot is characterized by a steppage gait where a person appears to raise the hip to take a step. The foot slaps on the floor and the foot appears to be floppy. The person usually drags his foot and toes while walking.

Treatment

Treatment is directed to manage the cause of drop foot. It usually consists of physical therapy, application of brace or splints, nerve stimulation and to a greater extent, surgery. The aim of treatment is to improve mobility and independence of a person with drop foot.

Diagnosis

Drop foot is diagnosed through a comprehensive assessment of symptoms, past and current medical history, neurological examination and imaging studies.

Prognosis

Recovery from drop foot is highly dependent on its underlying cause. It can be a long-term disability in neurological disorders while complete to partial recovery occurs with traumatic causes and nerve damage.

Source:

National Institutes of Health: Foot Drop Information Page

Spine Universe: Drop Foot and Steppage Gait

Mayo Clinic.com: Foot Drop: Treatment and Drugs

More Information:

Foot Ankle: Treating Drop Foot with Ankle-Foot Orthoses