LAB TEST
Foot drop
Foot drop is when you have difficulty lifting the front part of your foot. This may cause you to drag your foot when you walk. Foot drop, also called drop foot, can be caused by a problem with the muscles, nerves, or anatomy of your foot or leg.
Causes
Foot drop is not a condition by itself. It is a symptom of another disorder. Foot drop can be caused by a number of health conditions. The most common cause of foot drop is peroneal nerve injury . This nerve is also called the fibular nerve is a branch of the sciatic nerve. It supplies movement and sensation to the…
Symptoms
Foot drop can cause problems walking. Because you can't raise the front of your foot, you need to raise your leg higher than normal to take a step to avoid dragging your toes or tripping. The foot may make a slapping noise as it hits the ground. This is called a steppage gait . Depending on the cause of foot drop, you…
Exams and Tests
Your health care provider will perform a physical exam, which may show: Loss of muscle control in the lower legs and feet Atrophy of the foot or leg muscles Difficulty lifting up the foot and toes Your provider may order one or more of the following tests to check your muscles and nerves and to determine the cause:…
Treatment
Treatment of foot drop depends on what is causing it. In some cases, treating the cause will also cure foot drop. If the cause is a chronic or ongoing illness, foot drop may be permanent. Certain people may benefit from physical and occupational therapy. Possible treatments include: Braces, splints, or shoe inserts to…
Outlook (Prognosis)
How well you recover depends on what is causing foot drop. Foot drop will often go away completely. If the cause is more severe, such as stroke, you may not recover completely.
When to Contact a Medical Professional
Contact your provider if you have trouble walking or controlling your foot, including: Your toes drag on the floor while walking. Your foot makes a slapping noise on the ground as you walk (steppage gait). You are unable to hold up the front of your foot. You have decreased sensation, numbness, or tingling in your…
References
Del Toro DR, Seslija D, King JC. Fibular (peroneal) neuropathy. In: Frontera WR, Silver JK, Rizzo TD, eds. Essentials of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation. 4th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2019:chap 75. Katirji B. Disorders of peripheral nerves. In: Jankovic J, Mazziotta JC, Pomeroy SL, Newman NJ, eds. Bradley…
This is a summary. Read the full article at www.ucsfbenioffchildrens.org (reviewed 29/04/2023).
This page is general information and is not medical advice. It does not replace a registered doctor, and it is not a prescription or a recommendation to use any medicine or test. Prices are listed prices and may change. Always follow the advice of your doctor or pharmacist.