What are the treatments for foot drop?

There are various treatment options for foot drop and it often depends on the underlying cause. If the foot drop is caused by some treatable condition such as compression of nerves, then treatment may be curative. If the cause is a chronic condition like MS, then it is unlikely that the foot drop can be cured. Treatment is then focused on managing the symptoms of foot drop. There are five main treatment categories.

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Foot Drop Treatment Options

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Physical therapies

Foot drop is caused by damage to the nerves that innervate the muscles that dorsiflex the foot. Physical therapies typically include exercises to strengthen the leg and foot muscles. Exercises can also be helpful in improving the range of motion at the ankle joint, which will also aid in lifting the foot up. This in turn, will help with walking. Stretching exercises are useful in helping to prevent stiffness, which subsequently also helps the foot to dorsiflex, and lift the toes. Physical therapies are traditionally prescribed by a physiotherapist. The research team at Health Design Collective are made up of physiotherapists, podiatrists and people with lived experience of foot drop. They have many years of experience in the treatment of foot drop and contribute to the research around the best practices.

Braces and Splints

Braces and foot splints support the foot and ankle. They normally fit inside the shoe and help to elevate the foot. Braces and splints can be prescribed by your therapist or doctor. Ankle foot orthotics can also be helpful in keeping the foot in a neutral position and encouraging the heel to strike the ground and improve your walking pattern. Functional foot orthotics (special insoles) can be prescribed by your podiatrist to help your walking pattern and to reduce any pain that you may experience due to high pressure. There are known challenges for people with foot drop who are prescribed braces and splints. These are largely due to comfort, ease of use and perceived effects on walking. The Health Design Collective have listened to these pain points and have designed and developed new footwear for people with foot drop. If you would like more information on this innovative footwear or would like to become involved in the research of this shoe, then you can contact the team using the contact us page on this website.

Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES)

FES is electrical impulses to stimulate the nerves and muscles. This can help to strengthen the affected muscles and improve movement. FES is not a cure for foot drop, but it can help the muscles to contract. Electrodes are placed on the skin, and these electrodes emit an impulse that mimics the brain’s natural signals. This causes the targeted muscles to contract, and subsequently to elevate the foot.

Surgery

Surgical intervention may be required to repair damaged nerves. Tendon transfers may also be done surgically, whereby tendons from stronger muscles are transferred to help the weaker muscles to elevate the foot.

Other considerations

Other treatment options often depend on the underlying cause of the foot drop. Foot drop causes the toes to drag on the ground and subsequently to cause trips and falls. Consideration should therefore be given to the household and/or work environment. Making changes to the environment can be very helpful in preventing any stumbles and falls. This includes tidying away any loose cables, removing any rugs / door mats, and generally keeping the floor space clear of any trip hazards.