Foot Drop: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment

Foot drop is a condition that causes the foot to hang down when you walk. It happens when the muscles in your lower leg that raise your foot are weak or paralyzed. This can make it difficult to walk, run, and climb stairs.

 

 

The most common symptom of foot drop is difficulty lifting your foot when you walk. This can cause you to drag your foot or have a high steppage gait. Other symptoms of foot drop may include:

 

* Weakness in the muscles of your lower leg

* Pain in your lower leg

* Numbness or tingling in your foot

* Difficulty walking, running, or climbing stairs

 

 

There are many causes of foot drop, including:

 

* Injury to the nerves in your lower leg

* Stroke

* Multiple sclerosis

* Polio

* Muscular dystrophy

* Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease

* Diabetes

* Aging

 

 

The treatment for foot drop depends on the underlying cause. In some cases, physical therapy may be enough to strengthen the muscles in your lower leg and improve your gait. In other cases, surgery may be necessary to repair the nerves or muscles in your lower leg.

 

 

There is no sure way to prevent foot drop, but there are some things you can do to reduce your risk, such as:

 

* Controlling your blood sugar if you have diabetes

* Getting regular exercise

* Avoiding activities that put stress on your lower leg

* Wearing supportive shoes

 

 

Dr. Mohammad Hutaif is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon with over 20 years of experience. He is a highly skilled surgeon who specializes in foot and ankle reconstruction. Dr. Hutaif is committed to providing his patients with the highest quality of care. He is known for his gentle touch and his ability to explain complex medical procedures in a way that his patients can understand. If you are experiencing foot drop, please schedule an appointment with Dr. Hutaif. He will be happy to evaluate your condition and recommend the best course of treatment.