What is drop foot a symptom of?
Foot drop, or drop foot, involves a difficulty in lifting the front part of the foot, which can causes challenges while walking. It’s a common symptom of multiple sclerosis (MS), but it can also be caused by other neurological syndromes or physical damage to a nerve.
Can you recover from foot drop?
Most people will fully recover from foot drop. Some patients who have foot drop that is caused by a more serious condition may never recover fully from the condition.
What nerve damage causes drop foot?
The most common cause of foot drop is peroneal nerve injury. The peroneal nerve is a branch of the sciatic nerve. It supplies movement and sensation to the lower leg, foot, and toes. Conditions that affect the nerves and muscles in the body can lead to foot drop.
What is the best treatment for foot drop?
Treatment
- Braces or splints. A brace on your ankle and foot or splint that fits into your shoe can help hold your foot in a normal position.
- Physical therapy.
- Nerve stimulation.
- Surgery.
What’s the best exercise for foot drop?
Foot Drop Exercises
- Towel Stretch. Sit on the floor with both legs straight out in front of you.
- Toe to Heel Rocks. Stand in front of a table, chair, wall, or another sturdy object you can hold onto for support.
- Marble Pickup. Sit in a chair with both feet flat on the floor.
- Ankle Dorsiflexion.
- Plantar Flexion.
- Ball Lift.
What kind of doctor treats foot drop?
Foot drop can be diagnosed by several types of physicians. If the lower back is suspected as a cause, it may be advisable to see a spine specialist, such as a physiatrist, orthopedic surgeon, or neurosurgeon. Diabetes or other metabolic conditions may be diagnosed and treated by an endocrinologist.
How do you live with drop foot?
A brace on your ankle and foot or splint that fits into your shoe can help hold your foot in a normal position. Physical therapy. Exercises that strengthen your leg muscles and help you maintain the range of motion in your knee and ankle might improve gait problems associated with foot drop.