Foot drop, often referred to as drop foot, describes the difficulty in lifting the front part of the foot. If you experience foot drop, the front of your foot may drag along the ground while walking.
It is important to understand that foot drop isn’t a disease itself, but rather a symptom indicating an underlying neurological, muscular, or anatomical issue. While sometimes temporary, foot drop can also be permanent. Treatment options range from using a brace to support the foot to addressing the root cause.
Symptoms of Foot Drop
The primary symptom of foot drop is the noticeable difficulty in lifting the front part of the foot. This leads to the foot dragging on the floor during walking. Other symptoms include:
- Steppage Gait: To compensate for the foot drop, individuals may lift their thigh higher than usual, mimicking climbing stairs. This is known as steppage gait.
- Foot Slapping: The foot might slap down onto the floor with each step due to the inability to control its descent.
- Numbness: In some instances, numbness can occur on the top of the foot and toes.
- Unilateral or Bilateral: Foot drop can affect one or both feet depending on the underlying cause.
When to Seek Medical Attention
If you observe your toes dragging on the floor while walking, it’s crucial to consult a healthcare professional. Untreated foot drop can lead to reduced mobility and function, potentially resulting in chronic pain and a decreased quality of life.
Causes of Foot Drop
Foot drop arises from weakness or paralysis of the muscles responsible for lifting the front part of the foot. Potential causes include:
- Nerve Injury: Compression of the peroneal nerve, which controls the muscles involved in lifting the foot, is the most common cause. Knee injuries, hip or knee replacement surgeries can compress or injure this nerve, leading to foot drop. A “pinched nerve” or nerve root injury in the spine can also be responsible. Individuals with diabetes are at a higher risk of nerve disorders associated with foot drop.
- Muscle or Nerve Disorders: Muscular dystrophy, a genetic condition causing progressive muscle weakness, can contribute to foot drop. Other neurological disorders like polio or Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease may also be causative factors.
- Brain and Spinal Cord Disorders: Conditions affecting the brain or spinal cord, such as stroke, multiple sclerosis, or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), can disrupt nerve signals and lead to foot drop.
Risk Factors for Developing Foot Drop
Certain activities or conditions that compress the peroneal nerve can increase the risk of developing foot drop. Examples include:
- Leg Crossing: Habitually crossing the legs can compress the peroneal nerve on the uppermost leg.
- Prolonged Kneeling: Occupations that require prolonged squatting or kneeling, such as laying floor tile or certain agricultural jobs, can put pressure on the peroneal nerve.
- Wearing a Leg Cast: Plaster casts enclosing the ankle and ending just below the knee can exert pressure on the peroneal nerve.
