Foot Drop
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Apr 6, 2025.
AMBULATORY CARE:
Foot drop
is a nerve and muscle problem that prevents you from flexing or lifting your foot. One or both legs may be affected. Foot drop is most often caused by pressure on a lower leg nerve. It can also be caused by other kinds of nerve damage, muscle disease, or brain or spinal cord damage. Foot drop may be temporary or permanent.
Common signs and symptoms of foot drop:
- Numbness in your lower leg and foot
- Trouble walking, lifting, or turning your foot
- Feet and toes that slap or drag on the ground
- A higher step than normal, such as when you climb stairs
- Weak leg and foot muscles
- Curled toes or corns (hard growths) on the ball of your foot
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Treatment:
Your condition may improve on its own within 6 weeks. You may need any of the following if your symptoms do not improve:
- Functional electrical stimulation gives your nerves and muscles small electric shocks as you walk. This may help your muscles remember to lift your foot when you walk.
- Medicine may be given to decrease nerve pain.
- Surgery may be used to fuse (join) your foot and ankle or to move tendons to the weak area to provide support.
Manage foot drop:
- Use an ankle brace as directed. The brace helps retrain your leg to lift your foot. The brace is made of hard plastic and holds your foot in place. This will prevent foot dragging and make it easier to walk.
- Lower your risk for falling. Remove anything you might trip over. Tape electrical cords down. Keep paths clear throughout your home. Make sure your home is well lit. Put nonslip materials on surfaces that might be slippery. An example is your bathtub or shower floor. A cane or walker may help you keep your balance as you walk.
- Go to physical therapy as directed. A physical therapist will teach you exercises to help improve movement and strength, and to decrease pain. The therapist will teach you to shift your body position and stretch your muscles.
Follow up with your doctor or neurologist in 4 to 5 days, or as directed:
Write down your questions so you remember to ask them during your visits.
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The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.
Further information
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