What Is Foot Drop? Causes, Symptoms and Treatment Options
Have you ever noticed that your foot drags while walking or that lifting the front part of your foot has suddenly become difficult? This condition is commonly known as foot drop. Rather than being a disease on its own, foot drop is usually a sign of an underlying problem affecting the nerves, muscles or nervous system.
The condition may cause difficulty in normal walking and can lead to an increased risk of tripping. The positive aspect is that there are a number of foot drop treatment options. The correct decision largely hinges on the cause of the issue and the extent to which the nerve or muscles are impaired.
What Is Foot Drop?
Foot drop is a disorder in which a person has difficulty lifting the anterior part of the foot towards the shin. While walking, the toes may drag along the ground. Others compensate by lifting their knee higher than usual, a condition that doctors refer to as high-stepping gait.
Foot drop can affect one or both feet. Depending on its cause, it can either come on suddenly or gradually.
Which Nerve Causes Foot Drop?
When it comes to the question of what nerve causes foot drop, the common peroneal nerve, also known as the common fibular nerve, is a common one. This nerve assists in the control of muscles that raise the foot and toes.
This nerve can be compressed or damaged, which leads to the development of the problem. In other instances, the problem can be more central, like the sciatic nerve, lower spine nerve roots or some neurological disorders.
What Are The Common Symptoms?
Difficulty lifting the foot is usually the most noticeable symptom. You may also experience:
- Toes dragging while walking
- Frequent stumbling or tripping
- Weakness around the foot or ankle
- Numbness over parts of the lower leg or foot
- A higher-than-normal lifting of the knee while walking
These foot drop symptoms should not be ignored, particularly when they develop suddenly.
What Causes Foot Drop?
There is no single cause. The signals that control foot movement can be impacted by nerve compression around the knee, nerve injuries, slipped discs, and other spinal issues. Muscle disorders and neurological conditions may also cause similar weakness.
Finding the underlying reason is an important part of deciding the appropriate treatment for foot drop.
Which Treatment Is Best For Foot Drop?
Patients often ask, which treatment is best for foot drop? There is no one treatment that suits everyone. A doctor first needs to determine the cause and assess whether the affected nerve can recover.
Treatment may include physiotherapy, exercises, braces or splints to support walking. When nerve compression is responsible, nerve decompression surgery for foot drop may be considered to release pressure on the affected nerve.
Can Surgery Help With Foot Drop?
Another common question is, can foot drop be cured with surgery? Surgery can help selected patients, but the outcome depends on the cause, severity and duration of the condition.
If nerve recovery is unlikely, tendon transfer surgery may be considered. In this procedure, a functioning tendon is repositioned to help restore the ability to lift the foot.
Can Foot Drop Be Cured Permanently?
Individuals who seek information on how to cure foot drop permanently ought to know that recovery is highly dependent on the underlying condition. There are those patients who recover after temporary nerve compression is relieved, and there are those who might need long-term support or surgery.
Early diagnosis can be especially useful because prolonged nerve damage may affect the chances of recovery.
Where Should You Seek Treatment?
If you are asking, where can I get the best foot drop treatment in India?, start by looking for an orthopaedic specialist experienced in foot and ankle conditions, nerve-related weakness and reconstructive procedures.
MFAC provides specialist foot and ankle care to patients seeking the most qualified foot drop treatment doctor in India, headed by an orthopaedic surgeon, Dr. Pradeep Moonot, who has over 26 years of experience in the UK and India. A thorough assessment can assist in determining the cause of foot drop and a proper course of treatment.