Treatment for foot drop depends on the cause. If the cause is successfully treated, foot drop might improve or even disappear. If the cause can't be treated, foot drop can be permanent. There are a number of treatment options available at Physiofunction including simple exercises that can be performed at home or devices such as Functional Electrical Stimulators (FES) or specialist AFOs.
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Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES) can help with foot drop by stimulating nerves to activate muscles so that the foot lifts up at the ankle. Not only does FES reduce trips and falls, it can also make walking faster and less effortful. Over time the muscles can even relearn how to lift the foot without the stimulator. The National Institute for Clinical Excellence (NICE) has declared FES as a safe and effective treatment for drop foot.
Foot Drop or Drop Foot is the inability to lift the foot and toes properly when walking. It can lead to trips and falls, and a loss of confidence when walking.
Foot drop is a sign of an underlying problem rather than a condition itself.
Most commonly, it is seen individuals following a Stroke or Head Injury, or who have a Neurological condition such as Multiple Sclerosis, Parkinson's, or Guillain-Barre Syndrome. It can also be caused by local nerve damage in the lower leg, a muscle or nerve disorder or occur as a complication of diabetes.