Foot drop is the weakness in the foot muscles that causes the inability to lift it. It’s a symptom of an underlying muscular disorder. If you experience the symptoms of the condition, make sure to research it and consult with your doctor as well.
Also, talk to a specialist to receive the proper treatment. The condition may be temporary once treated early enough. Otherwise, it may become permanent if you don’t get treatment before the symptoms become severe.
Below, you will find the causes of foot drop and their recovery options:
Causes of Foot Drop
Foot drop can be caused by brain and muscle injuries, spinal cord disorders, and injuries in foot nerves. You should consult a medical specialist to understand the cause of the condition.
1. Injury in the Nerves
One of the leading causes of foot drop is an injury to the peroneal nerve. This nerve coordinates the movement of signals from the brain. It also supports the foot muscles so that you can lift the front part. The peroneal nerve may get damaged from the childbearing process, low back injuries, and sports injuries.
2. Illness in the Muscles
Muscle disorders can also cause foot drop. They are ailments in the muscles that weaken them and cause foot drop after some time. The conditions may be problems in the muscles, teeth, or polio.
3. Spinal Cord and Brain Problems
Foot drop may also be caused by spinal cord or brain problems. Most of the disorders have an impact on the brain or spinal cord. They may include cerebral palsy and stroke, among others.
Recovery Solutions
There are four leading recovery solutions for people suffering from foot drop, as explained below:
1. Use of Braces
Physicians may also treat your foot drop condition using a foot drop brace, also known as ankle-foot orthoses. You will have to wear an orthotic to support your affected foot to remain in a normal position. It holds your front foot part away from the ground as you walk.
Initially, medical professionals prescribed a bulky AFO that patients placed in their shoes as they walked. However, today there is a better version of the AFO, which has a lighter weight and is more affordable. It would be best if you put the brace around your ankle for treatment and not inside your shoe.
Besides, you can wear it with whichever shoe you prefer. Braces will help the muscles and ankle on your affected foot to move together. That activates the right foot muscles and improves the treatment process.
2. Surgery
Medical specialists use surgery as one of the foot drop treatments. In most cases, they prefer surgery if the foot drop symptoms occurred due to an injured nerve. The physician may recommend a fuse in the foot and ankle bones. That will enable you to have a better walking position.
3. Electrical Stimulation
If the physician examines you and finds no need for surgery, they may consider using electrical stimulation to treat the foot drop. They may either suggest that you receive the NMES or the FES.
There are two ways of administering functional electrical stimulation. You may use electrical stimulation or e-stim gadgets. If the physician recommends the electrical stimulation gadget, you will use it by holding it in your hand.
On the other hand, you may use the e-stim gadget by wearing it below the knee to stimulate the peroneal nerve functioning. As you lift the front part of your foot, the device will enable muscle contraction. As the gadget helps the muscles contract, you’ll experience less or no problems walking.
4. Therapy
Doctors may also advise you to go for occupational or physical therapy to treat the foot drop condition. You will undergo therapy to strengthen the affected foot, lower leg, or ankle. It could also be great to keep stretching the affected foot and engage it in different movement exercises as you undergo therapy.
Closing Thoughts
If you experience foot drop symptoms, it is vital to contact a medical specialist for a check-up and treatment. Also, make sure to research the condition and ask all the questions you may have. Also, ensure to start treatment as soon as possible. If not treated early enough, foot drop can become incurable.
Written by: Samantha Higgins
Samantha Higgins is a professional writer with a passion for research, observation, and innovation. She is nurturing a growing family of twin boys in Portland, Oregon with her husband. She loves kayaking and reading creative non-fiction.