Foot drop

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(Redirected from Footdrop)

Condition characterized by difficulty lifting the front part of the foot


Gait abnormality


Foot drop
Right foot with drop foot, left foot normal
Synonyms N/A
Pronounce /fʊt drɒp/
Field N/A
Symptoms Difficulty lifting the front part of the foot, dragging of the toes while walking, high-stepping gait
Complications Falls, muscle atrophy, gait abnormalities
Onset Sudden or gradual, depending on cause
Duration Variable; may be temporary or permanent
Types Unilateral or bilateral
Causes Injury to the common peroneal nerve, stroke, multiple sclerosis, herniated disc, muscular or neurological disorders
Risks Prolonged leg crossing, knee surgery, prolonged squatting, trauma
Diagnosis Physical examination, electromyography (EMG), nerve conduction studies, MRI
Differential diagnosis Charcot–Marie–Tooth disease, ALS, spinal cord injury
Prevention Avoid nerve compression, protective footwear, manage underlying conditions
Treatment Physical therapy, orthotic devices, nerve decompression surgery
Medication Anti-inflammatory drugs, corticosteroids (if inflammation is the cause)
Prognosis Depends on cause; may resolve spontaneously or require long-term therapy
Frequency Relatively uncommon; exact prevalence unknown
Deaths Rare; usually not fatal on its own


Human lower leg anatomy
AFO (Ankle Foot Orthosis) brace is a type of orthotic used to support the foot and ankle.

File:Treatment-of-peroneal-nerve-injuries-with-simultaneous-tendon-transfer-and-nerve-exploration-s13018-014-0067-6-S1.ogv

Foot drop is a medical condition characterized by difficulty in lifting the front part of the foot. This condition can cause the foot to drag along the ground while walking. It is not a disease in itself but rather a sign of an underlying neurological, muscular, or anatomical problem.

Causes[edit | edit source]

Foot drop can result from a variety of causes, including:

Symptoms[edit | edit source]

The primary symptom of foot drop is the inability to lift the front part of the foot, leading to a characteristic "steppage" gait. Individuals with foot drop may:

  • Drag the foot on the ground while walking
  • Lift the knee higher than usual to prevent the foot from dragging
  • Experience numbness or tingling in the foot or leg
  • Have muscle weakness in the foot or leg

Diagnosis[edit | edit source]

Diagnosing foot drop involves a thorough physical examination and medical history review. Additional tests may include:

Treatment[edit | edit source]

Treatment for foot drop depends on the underlying cause and may include:

  • Physical therapy: Exercises to strengthen the muscles and improve range of motion
  • Orthotic devices: An ankle-foot orthosis (AFO) can help support the foot and improve walking
  • Surgery: In some cases, surgical intervention may be necessary to repair damaged nerves or tendons
  • Medications: To manage pain or underlying conditions contributing to foot drop

Prognosis[edit | edit source]

The prognosis for foot drop varies depending on the cause. In some cases, foot drop may be temporary and improve with treatment, while in others, it may be permanent. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial for the best outcomes.

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