Clubfoot
A drop foot is a condition in which a person is unable to lift their foot and toes sufficiently. This can lead to problems with the foot’s roll-off phase whilst walking. The foot ‘drops’, as it were, and may ‘drag’ along the ground. However, there are variations; in some people, the muscles around the ankle are also weakened, whilst in others, some lifting of the foot is still possible.
What causes a drop foot?
There are various causes of foot drop. People with foot drop are first examined (neurologically) by a doctor. Some of the reasons that can cause foot drop are:
- Compression of the peroneal nerve at the knee
- Hernia
- Lumbar spinal stenosis (narrowing)
- Polyneuropathy
In all cases, there is a problem with the nerve pathway (paralysis) that controls the muscles of the foot responsible for lifting the foot and toes.
A drop foot can cause various problems:
- Abnormal and possibly uncertain gait pattern
- Greater risk of tripping or taking a wrong step (including the sprained ankle)
- An imbalance in the movement chain, causing issues elsewhere symptoms of overexertion may arise
- Pressure sores caused by a peroneal spring (ankle-foot orthosis, AFO) and/or (customised) footwear
Treatment by a podiatrist for foot drop
In practice, we see people who want to improve their gait. We also see people with a peroneal spring (ankle-foot orthosis, or AFO, also known as a plastic splint) who do not find it comfortable to wear; for example, the material is hard, which can cause pressure sores.
Treatment options for foot drop include appropriate advice on choosing from a range of braces and how to use them. Some examples of (foot-lifting) braces are:
- Foot-lifting braces
- EXO-L UP
If there are any pressure points, the podiatrist can treat them and relieve the pressure. The podiatrist can, on the basis of the podiatry examination It is important to assess your gait to determine which aid is suitable for you, combined with appropriate shoe advice.
Tips for dealing with a drop foot
A walking stick or crutch can be used to provide extra stability. In addition, targeted muscle strength training under the supervision of a physiotherapist may be beneficial. Do you feel that you are unable to lift your foot properly? If so, always contact your GP.
