Foot drop is a condition where a person is unable to lift the front part of the foot, causing it to drag while walking. It is a sign of an underlying neurological, muscular, or anatomical problem.
Causes:
- Nerve injury: Most commonly peroneal nerve palsy
- Neurological disorders: Stroke, multiple sclerosis, ALS
- Muscle disorders: Muscular dystrophy
- Spinal conditions: Herniated disc or nerve root compression
Symptoms:
- Dragging of the foot while walking
- High-stepping gait (steppage gait) to avoid tripping
- Weakness or numbness in the foot or shin
- Difficulty with foot dorsiflexion (lifting the foot upward)
Diagnosis:
- Clinical examination
- Nerve conduction studies and EMG
- Imaging (MRI or CT) to find the underlying cause
Treatment:
- Non-surgical: Ankle-foot orthosis (AFO), physiotherapy, electrical nerve stimulation
- Surgical: Nerve decompression or tendon transfer if conservative measures fail
Consult your Foot drop specialist in Ahmedabad for better outcome.