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How PhysioFunction can help if you have Foot Drop

Foot Drop is a sign of an underlying problem rather than a condition itself. It can be muscular, caused by nerve damage in the leg, or the result of a brain or spinal injury or a neurological condition such as Multiple Sclerosis, CMT, Stroke or Parkinson's.

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 foot drop 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.

We can provide:

  • Braces or splints - A brace on your ankle and foot or splint that fits into or on your shoe and can help hold your foot in a normal position. PhysioFunction are able to assess for a wide range of splints including the Turbomed.
  • Physiotherapy - Exercises that strengthen your leg muscles and help you maintain the range of motion in your knee and ankle might improve gait problems associated with foot drop. Stretching exercises are particularly important to prevent the stiffness in the heel.
  • FES – Functional Electrical Stimulation stimulates the nerves and activates weakened muscles to provide an aid to walking which assists with recovery and independent mobility. Not only does FES reduce trips and falls, but it can also make walking faster and less effortful. The National Institute for Clinical Excellence (NICE) has declared FES as a safe and effective treatment for drop foot. Our specialist trained physiotherapists can assess you for FES suitability using the Bioness Go, Alfess or PACE. The use of FES may assist in day-to-day activities which otherwise may not be possible.

Beginner Foot Drop Exercises

Assisted Toe Lifts: For this exercise you will need to use either a belt, dressing gown cord or exercise band to help promote the toe lift. In a seated position, wrap the band around the front of your foot. While holding the rope or strap with the hand, you want to gently lift the toes off the floor and pull up with your arm to assist with the movement. Complete this for one minute.

Elevated Foot Tap: Try and lift your toe actively as high as you can with your heel on the step or large book. Your toes need to be hanging over the edge of the step or book. Try and lift your toes as high as you can and back down with as much control as possible. Complete this for one minute.

Resistance Band Toe Tap: While seated, tread on the resistance band and place the other end of the band around your affected foot. Pull your foot towards your body and then slowly release. Repeat 10-15 times.

Start your journey and gain independence with PhysioFunction. Contact us today.

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National Foot Drop Society

PhysioFunction are proud to be partners with the National Foot Drop Society which was launched over 5 years ago by Jon Graham.

The aim of NFDS it to raise awareness of Foot Drop and share the solutions that are available.

For more information on what NFDS do please click the link

National Foot Drop Society

Causes of Foot drop

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.

  • Nerve injury - The most common cause of foot drop is compression of a nerve in your leg that controls the muscles involved in lifting the foot (peroneal nerve). This nerve can also be injured during hip or knee replacement surgery, which may cause foot drop.
  • Nerve root injury "pinched nerve" in the spine can also cause foot drop. People who have diabetes are more susceptible to nerve disorders, which are associated with foot drop.
  • Muscle or nerve disorders - Various forms of muscular dystrophy, an inherited disease that causes progressive muscle weakness, can contribute to foot drop. So can other disorders, such as polio or Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease.
  • Brain and spinal cord conditions - Conditions that affect the spinal cord or brain, such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), multiple sclerosis or stroke.


We currently accept the following Private Medical Insurance