Foot Drop

Overview

Foot drop, also known as "drop foot", is a condition where it is difficult to lift the front part of the foot. This can cause the foot to drag along the ground as you walk, leading to a noticeable gait pattern. Dropsy is not a disease in itself; rather, it is a sign of an underlying problem that affects the muscles, nerves, and even the brain and spinal cord. At Mspin, Dr. Irfan Malik strives to tackle this dangerous condition with expert care.

Symptoms of Foot Drop

The main symptom of foot drop is difficulty lifting the forefoot, which can cause the toes to drag when walking. To prevent falling out, many people with drop feet use a unique way of walking:

• High Step Gait: People raise their knees higher than normal to prevent their feet from dragging on the ground. This is often called "tap dancing".
• Slapping Sound: When the leg finally comes down, it may land with a thud due to a lack of control over its movement.
• Dizziness or tingling: In some cases, people with foot drop may also experience numbness, tingling, or weakness around the feet or legs.
• Difficulties with balance: As the affected leg does not function as expected, balance may be affected, making falls more likely.

These symptoms can range from mild to severe, depending on the cause and duration of the disease.

When to see a consultant

If you notice that you have difficulty lifting your leg or that your balance is affected, it is important to see your doctor. See a doctor if:

• You notice changes in the way you walk, especially if your leg spins or your stride is long.
• You feel numbness, weakness, or other unusual sensations in your foot or leg.
• Foot drop is sudden or worsens over time.
• You have suffered an injury that affects your gait and balance.

A healthcare professional, such as a neurologist or orthopedic specialist, can help identify the cause and recommend appropriate treatment.

Causes of foot drop

Foot drops can be caused by many factors, often related to nerve or muscle problems. Some common causes include:

• Nerve damage: The most common cause of leg drop is damage to the peroneal nerve, which controls the muscles involved in lifting the leg. This nerve can be damaged by trauma, surgery, or even prolonged pressure (eg, crossing your legs for a long time).
• Muscle diseases: Conditions that weaken the leg muscles, such as muscular dystrophy, can lead to leg drop because the muscles responsible for lifting the leg are weakened.
• Spinal cord or brain injury: Stroke, multiple sclerosis, and other neurological conditions can affect the brain or spinal cord, which in turn can disrupt the nerves that control leg movement.
• Injuries or surgical procedures: Knee, hip, or back injuries can affect the nerves that affect leg movement. Additionally, surgery in these areas can sometimes lead to nerve damage.

Diagnosis of foot drop

To diagnose foot drop, a healthcare professional begins with a physical exam and checks for symptoms. They can check muscle strength, assess gait, and look for possible nerve problems. Additional tests that may be used include:

• Nerve conduction tests: These tests measure the speed and strength of electrical signals in the nerves and help identify nerve damage.
• Electromyography (EMG): EMG measures muscle activity and can reveal problems in the muscles affected by foot drop.
• Imaging tests: X-rays, MRIs, or ultrasounds may be used to identify structural problems such as herniated discs, tumors, or other abnormalities that may be pressing on nerves.

Treatment Options for Foot Drop

Treatment for foot drop focuses on addressing the cause and providing support to improve mobility. Common treatments include:

• Physical therapy: Exercises can help strengthen leg muscles, improve flexibility, and train gait. A physical therapist can also guide you through techniques to improve your walking.
• Ortheses or braces: Wearing an ankle brace (AFO) can help support the foot and keep it in a neutral position. This can prevent foot-dragging and improve walking stability.
• Nerve Stimulation: Functional Electrical Stimulation uses small electrical impulses to stimulate the nerves and lift the leg during walking. This can be especially helpful if the peroneal nerve is damaged.
• Surgery: In cases where foot drop is caused by severe nerve damage, surgery may be an option. Procedures may include nerve repair, tendon transfer, or other techniques to restore function to the leg. Surgery is usually considered when other treatments are not effective.
• Lifestyle changes: If foot drop is related to a specific activity or behavior, sometimes changing these habits (eg avoiding standing with legs crossed for long periods) can be helpful.