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The Curious Bag
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Foot drop--or drop foot-- is a nerve and muscle disorder that prevents you from lifting your foot at the ankle. You might also have trouble moving your foot inward or outward from the ankle and pointing your toes. This condition can cause pain, weakness and numbness. Treatments range from medication to surgery and will depend on the underlying cause.
Supportive Devices
Wearing a brace, splint or ankle-foot orthosis (AFO) keeps your foot in its proper position, promoting normal movement, according to Dr. Stewart Eidelson of SpineUniverse.com
Physical Therapy
Physical therapists can show you exercises that can improve your gait and help you walk better, reducing pain and other symptoms.
Medications and Supplements
Doctors sometimes use the following medications and supplements to address foot drop, according to orthopedic surgeon Dr. James W. Pritchett of Emedicine.com. They include amitriptyline, pregagablin, gabapentin, narcotics (rarely), erythropoietin, topical capsaicin or diclofenac and vitamins B-1, B-6 and B12.
Nerve Stimulation
Stimulating the peroneal nerve--which lifts the foot--can improve symptoms. The nerve stimulator might be implanted directly into the leg or work from a device strapped to the outside of the leg, according to the Mayo Clinic.
Surgery
Surgery can correct nerve damage or other injuries that might be contributing to the foot drop. Examples include fixing herniated disks causing nerve compression, fusing bones and transferring tendons.
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