Can foot drop be corrected with exercise?

In some cases, foot drop may be improved or managed through exercise. While it may not cure foot drop, it can improve overall function which is important in preventing trips and falls.

Foot Drop and Exercise

Foot drop is caused by weak muscles that lift the foot up. The main muscle involved in this upward movement is called tibialis anterior. This muscle originates from just below the knee, it runs all the way down the front of the leg, over the ankle joint and inserts into the base of the big toe. Weakness of this muscle results in the toes not being lifted in an upwards position and subsequently dragging on the ground. The aim of any exercise is to strengthen this muscle, to help lift the foot during walking. With foot drop, people can also experience stiffness at the ankle joint. This also makes it difficult for people to lift their foot when walking, and to clear the ground during the swing phase of gait. Exercise can also help to improve the range of motion at the ankle joint.

A brief audio for you to listen to about the benefits of exercises for foot drop!

Foot Drop and Exercise Guide

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Benefits of Exercise for Drop Foot

Exercise can prevent stiffness, improve the range of motion and help to strengthen muscles. This can improve the way that you walk, potentially reducing any trips and falls. Regularly doing exercise will help to build stronger muscles in the legs and feet, which can help stability and confidence, and prevent or slow down the progression of foot drop.

Exercises for Drop Foot

There are some specific exercises that you can do that target the muscles and joints in the lower limb and foot that will help to manage foot drop.

Trace the alphabet with your toes

This exercise can be done while you are sitting in a chair, or it can be done when you are in the bathtub, with your foot submerged under warm water. The aim of this exercise is to trace the alphabet with your toes. This takes your foot and ankle through all of the three body planes of movement (up and down, side to side and rotating).

Calf raises

This exercise can be done while standing holding onto a chair or countertop. The aim of this exercise is to go up onto your toes and lift your heels off the floor. Hold for three seconds and then lower your heels back to the floor. You can repeat this 10 times. You should feel a stretch up the back of your calves.

Pick up a pencil with your toes

This exercise can be done while you are sitting in a chair. The aim of this exercise is to stretch your toes by trying to pick a pencil up with your toes. You can also do this exercise with a tea towel. Place the towel on the floor, rest your barefoot on top of the towel and try to scrunch the towel by stretching your toes.

Resistance band or towel stretch

This exercise can be done using a resistance band (available from your physiotherapist or can be purchased online) or with a bath towel. You can do this exercise while sitting in a chair. With your leg stretched out in front of you (your heel can rest on the floor or on a foot stool) place the towel/band around the arch of your foot and hold each end of the towel/band in each hand. Gently pull the towel/band towards you, so that you are pulling the toes towards you. You should feel a stretch up the back of your calf.

Is cycling / Swimming good for foot drop?

Swimming and cycling are two exercises that can help to manage foot drop and its associated symptoms. Swimming is a low impact exercise that can strengthen the leg muscles. The waters resistance also provides a supportive environment by eliminating excessive strain on the joints. In some cases, the physiotherapist may recommend aquatic therapy, which is swimming under the guidance of a physiotherapist. This may be a useful adjunct to other management strategies for foot drop. Cycling is an exercise that engages the muscles that are required to dorsiflex the foot (lift it upwards). It is also believed that exercise such as cycling can be beneficial for improving balance which is often impaired by foot drop.

Overall, exercise is a positive step that people with foot drop can take to help the management of their condition. Exercise will increase the bodies blood flow which can also help with pain and it can help mental health, boosting mood and helping to reduce stress and anxiety.

The research team at the Health Design Collective are advocates of exercise and how it can help to manage foot drop, and overall wellbeing. Regular exercise will release endorphins which have mood lifting effects. The health Design Collective aim to lead research that helps people with foot drop to have a good quality of life. Their innovative shoe for people with footdrop has the potential to radically improve the lives of people with foot drop, as it reduces the dragging of the foot on the ground and builds confidence and capabilities to enjoy everyday activities. If you are interested in finding out more about the Health Design Collective shoe and the ongoing research, then please contact the team in the contact us link.