What nerve injury causes foot drop?

Foot drop occurs when the muscles in the foot and toes are not able to lift the foot up, and the foot drags along the ground. Muscles are controlled by nerves, and so for muscles to function, the nerve that innervates them (makes them move) must also perform well. Foot drop is frequently seen in neurological conditions, because the nerve that controls the muscles to make the foot function, have been damaged in some way. The peroneal nerve is the major nerve that controls the muscles of the feet and toes. It provides movement and sensation to the lower leg, foot and toes. There are three main muscles that the peroneal nerve innervates to lift the ankle and toes upward (dorsiflexion) and turn the foot outward (eversion);  

 tibialis anterior;  

extensor digitorum longus; and  

extensor hallucis longus.   

So, we can now understand how neurological problems can affect our muscles and subsequently lead to foot drop and influence our mobility. We will now look at the various conditions that can cause nerve injury and advance to foot drop.   

We can break down the conditions that cause nerve injury and lead to foot drop, into four main categories;  

Nerve injuries - trauma such as fractures can damage the peroneal nerve  

Peripheral neuropathy - nerve damage associated with diabetes is a major cause of peripheral neuropathy. Other conditions such as Charcot-Marie-tooth disease can also cause peripheral neuropathy.  

Sciatic nerve problems – A herniated disc can compress the sciatic nerve (which branches into the peroneal nerve) to cause foot drop  

Other conditions - muscular dystrophy, stroke, multiple sclerosis and ALS, Polio, Compartment syndrome, Tumours or cysts are all conditions that typically cause foot drop.   

The health design collective is a research group made up of physiotherapists and podiatrists. These experts have worked with people with a variety of conditions that have resulted in foot drop. The researchers have investigated the effects of foot drop and the possible treatment options available. With this knowledge and expertise, and alongside the invaluable input of people with lived experience of these conditions, the health design collective have repurposed traditional management strategies to develop new innovative products. The new cutting-edge footwear has reimagined the classic shoe, to offer a more bespoke solution that is contemporary and elevates people’s capabilities of daily life.