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Drop Foot (Foot Drop)

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Drop foot is a condition where it becomes difficult to lift the front part of the foot, causing the foot to drag on the ground when walking. It is not a disease in itself but a symptom of an underlying nerve or muscle problem. It may be temporary or long-term, depending on the cause.

Symptoms

• Difficulty lifting the toes or front of the foot upward
• Foot dragging or catching on the ground when walking
• High-stepping or swinging gait (steppage gait) to compensate
• Foot hanging limp when lifted
• Numbness or tingling in the shin, foot, or toes

Causes

• Peroneal nerve compression or injury (most common cause) — can result from knee fractures, surgery, or habitual leg crossing
• Pinched nerve in the lower back (slipped disc or spinal stenosis)
• Neurological conditions such as multiple sclerosis, stroke, or muscular dystrophy
• Peripheral neuropathy (e.g. from diabetes)
• Complications following hip or knee replacement surgery

Non-Surgical Treatment

• Ankle-Foot Orthosis (AFO) brace — holds the foot at 90° for a more natural gait
• Physiotherapy and exercises to strengthen functioning muscles and improve gait
• Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES) — electrical impulses stimulate the peroneal nerve at the correct moment during walking
• Treatment of the underlying cause (e.g. spinal surgery for a pinched nerve, better diabetes control)

Surgery

When drop foot does not improve with conservative measures, or when there is a correctable anatomical cause, surgery may be considered. This may involve nerve repair, decompression, or tendon transfer procedures. Mr Hester will discuss the specific surgical plan based on the cause and extent of your foot drop.