Drop foot is a weakness of ankle and toe dorsiflexion (lifting the foot upwards so it clears the ground when walking). The gait of a person with drop foot is characterized by an exaggerated flexion (lifting up and setting down) of the hip and knee to prevent the toes from catching on the ground during swing phase. A common description is that the person has a “high stepping” walk and the foot “slaps” the ground on the affected leg. In some conditions, such as Multiple Sclerosis (MS) or Gullain Barre Syndrome, drop foot affects both feet.
Drop foot is not a disease but a symptom of an underlying problem. All age groups are affected equally, but it is more common in males at about a 3 to 1 ratio. Depending on the cause, it may be temporary or permanent. Often drop foot is caused by injury within the lumbar and sacral spine but can also be caused by direct injury to the tibialis anterior, extensor hallucis longus, and extensor digitorum longus muscles. Systemic causes include peripheral nerve damage, stroke, neurological conditions, drug toxicities, or diabetes.
Other names or similar foot conditions:
- Foot drop
- Steppage gait
- Foot slap
Symptoms:
- Dorsiflexion deficiency
- “High stepping” walk
Signs to look for:
- “High stepping” walk
- Foot slap
- Foot and gait abnormalities
Possible Causes:
- Direct injury
- Side effect of neurological conditions, such as stroke, MS, etc.
- Damage from medical treatment, such as radiation
- Lower back injury or pathology
- Peripheral neuropathy, such as found in diabetics
Goals:
- Medical treatment
- Provide toe dorsiflexion during the swing phase
- Restore balance
- Control motion of the feet and improve gait
- Footwear to make exercising more comfortable
How We Help:
Arch Supports:
- BioOrthotics exercising support with metatarsal lift
- Lower and thinner arch support with longitudinal and metatarsal support for use when shoes cannot accommodate the BioOrthotics exercising support
Shoes:
- Extra depth, double or triple depth shoe with high toe box, firm heel counter, rocker sole and connecting shank
- For Smart footwear, stable heel to toe rockers and shoes with titanium springs
- Avoid flip-flops. Only wear sandals with a back and only the Orthaheel, Alegria or Aetrex brand
- Do not wear pumps or heels and go barefoot on a minimal basis only
Other:
- Where the above shoes and arch supports do not provide enough stability, wedging and flares may be necessary
- AFO support if above support doesn’t lift the foot enough
Activities:
- Medical treatment
- Regular exercise program that promotes increased strength and circulation in lower extremities
- Regular stretching program for entire body
This information does not constitute a diagnosis of your condition and does not take the place of a doctor’s care. The information has been compiled from sources available to the Regular stretching program for entire body general public and referenced below. Copyright 2005-2010 Carole Romig
Sources Image: Doereport.com Text: Emedicine.com, Spineuniverse.com, Medicinenet.com