Many people who suffer from foot drop experience difficulties lifting their front part of the foot. The front of the foot often drags behind the body, making simple activities such as walking or driving very difficult. The condition can also cause tripping and falling, which can cause significant pain and disability. Fortunately, there is an effective treatment for foot drop – a foot drop orthosis. Read on to learn more. Hopefully this information will help you choose the right treatment for your condition.
Foot drop is a condition that affects children and adults:
The symptoms of foot drop vary depending on the cause. It may occur in one foot, both sides, or both feet. Symptoms of foot drop can vary from temporary to permanent, and can be caused by various problems in the body. There are five levels of foot drop: 0 is a condition of complete paralysis, 2 is a permanent condition, and 3 is a temporary condition. Foot drop is typically caused by a malfunction in the lower leg nerve. However, other problems can occur higher in the spine.
Some other causes of foot drop include injuries to the deep fibular nerve or the muscles in the foot. Nerve damage can cause drop foot, especially in those with a history of diabetes. Acute trauma to the lower leg can also result in foot drop. Strokes, nerve disorders, and multiple sclerosis are all known causes of foot drop. Surgical procedures that remove or damage the fibular bones can also cause foot drop.
It is caused by overgrowth of bone in the spinal canal:
The primary cause of foot drop is the overgrowth of bone in the spinal canal. Other causes include osteoporosis, aging of the joints, and fracture above a previous fusion. It can also occur when an excessive amount of material is removed from the spinal canal, similar to a game of Jenga. Symptoms of spinal stenosis vary from patient to patient, but they typically include difficulty in walking or buttoning. Patients with spinal stenosis often report deterioration in muscle strength and balance, as well as problems with circulation.
If symptoms of foot drop persist despite non-surgical treatment, a medical procedure called nerve surgery may be necessary. This procedure will fuse the foot bones or transfer a working tendon to another part of the body. Foot drop may also be caused by tumors or cysts pressing on the nerves in the spine. Several imaging tests may be necessary to diagnose a foot drop condition. X-rays taken from different angles produce a cross-sectional view of body structures. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) uses radio waves to create detailed images.
It causes tripping and falling:
If you suffer from foot drop, you are likely aware of how vulnerable you are to tripping and falling. Your body can compensate for this problem by lifting your leg higher, resulting in more energy spent walking than it should. You’ll also experience leg fatigue, wobbly balance, and hip pain. Even worse, you may end up needing surgery to correct your foot drop. A foot drop orthosis can help you keep your balance, and prevent tripping and falling.
If you’re concerned about tripping and falling due to your foot drop, consider undergoing surgery. This surgery can repair the nerve in your foot and fuse the ankle bones together. Other complex surgeries can even shift working tendons. Even if you have no other foot drop symptoms, you can reduce your risk of tripping and falling by reducing clutter and electrical cords. Moreover, make sure your home is well-lit. Consult a qualified health care provider to discuss your treatment options. They will also be able to recommend exercises and walking aids for your condition.
It can be treated:
Treatment options for foot drop include physical therapy and surgery. Surgical options include fusing the bones in the ankle and foot or transferring a working tendon or muscle to another part of the foot. Patients with a foot drop should keep the floor free of clutter, remove throw rugs and place fluorescent tape on stairs. Family physicians should consult a foot and ankle specialist if they suspect a foot drop. If a shoe-supporting device is not effective, neurologists may recommend fusion of the foot and ankle joint.
Surgery can also relieve pressure on nerves in the lower back. This surgery usually involves removing a small piece of bone from a vertebra or disc in the spine. Both of these procedures have risks. Patients should discuss their risks and the benefits of each before making a decision about a surgery. Other treatments include exercises designed to reduce pain and restore mobility. A doctor can recommend a treatment plan for foot drop based on your needs and your overall health.