Foot Drop Condition | Foot and Ankle Pain | The Relief Institute

Foot Drop (Drop Foot)

Foot drop is a general term for difficulty lifting the front part of the foot, which might even drag on the ground while walking. Foot drop isn’t a disease, it is a sign of an underlying neurological, muscular or anatomical problem. Sometimes foot drop is temporary, but it can be permanent.

Causes

Foot drop is caused by weakness or paralysis of the muscles involved in lifting the front part of the foot.

Causes of foot drop might include:

  • Nerve injury. The most common cause of foot drop is compression of a nerve in your leg that controls the muscles involved in lifting the foot (peroneal nerve). This nerve can also be injured during hip or knee replacement surgery, which may cause foot drop.
  • A nerve root injury.  A “pinched nerve” in the spine can also cause foot drop. People who have diabetes are more susceptible to nerve disorders, which are associated with foot drop.
  • Muscle or nerve disorders. Various forms of muscular dystrophy, an inherited disease that causes progressive muscle weakness, can contribute to foot drop. So can other disorders, such as polio or Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease.
  • Brain and spinal cord disorders. Disorders that affect the spinal cord or brain — such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), multiple sclerosis or stroke — may cause foot drop.

Symptoms

Potential Treatments

Foot drop is usually diagnosed by physical examination, although your doctor may perform some additional testing. Treatment may include the use of braces, physical therapy, and electrical nerve stimulation. In some cases, surgery may be required.

Disclaimer: The Relief Institute has made reasonable efforts to present accurate information on this website; however, it is possible that information found on this website could potentially be out-of-date or limited in nature. Any medical and health-related information presented on this website is general in nature. The Relief Institute does not furnish or render professional health care services or medical care. Therefore, the information presented on this website is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment, nor is it intended to provide you with a specific diagnosis or treatment for a specific ailment. The information is made available to you for educational and informational purposes and does not constitute the practice of medicine and/or as a substitute for consultation with your personal health care provider. Click here to view our full disclaimer.