In foot drop, the patient is unable to liftthe front part of the foot up due to weakness or paralysis of the tibialis anteriormuscle which lifts the foot up. The tibialis anterior muscle plays an importantrole in the walking cycle. When the patient with foot drop walks, the footslaps down onto the floor or drags the foot. 

The main causes of foot drop are: Nerveinjury, Muscular disorder, or Brain & Spinal cord disorders. The commonestcause of Foot drop is due to nerve injury that occurs due to injury orcompression to the peroneal nerve. Damage to the peroneal nerve can be causedby a sports injury, hip or knee replacement surgeries, a lower back injurylike- Slipped disc or L4-L5 disc herniation, Lumbo-sacral injury from pelvicfracture with displacement of the sacroiliac joint, Hip dislocation, Kneeinjury, or dislocation, Compartment syndrome, or even common things likecrossing your leg or kneeling for a long period of time. 

Another cause of foot drop is from muscledisorders such as muscular dystrophy and polio. Brain & spinal corddisorders that can cause foot drop is- Stroke, multiple sclerosis, or cerebralpalsy. Other causes of foot drop are systemic such as: Inflammatory conditions,Diabetes, and Ischemia, etc. 

If you experiencing either foot muscle fatigueand/or Foot drop do visit our nearest physiotherapy clinic for evaluation andbest physiotherapy treatment. If you are experiencing complete foot muscleparalysis then only exercises can’t help more as exercises will most likely beimpossible to perform, then we also have the best treatment for that too.

PHYSIOTHERAPY TREATMENT OF FOOT DROP:

Our primary focus is to figure out whatexactly is causing this Foot drop and for that, we do a thorough evaluation.Once we determine the specific cause of your foot drop we provide a veryspecific physiotherapy treatment plan which includes manual, mechanical as wellas electrical treatment.

Electrical stimulation is best to recoverperoneal nerve function. Electrical nerve stimulation can be administered in 2ways one is Functional electrical stimulation (FES) & Neuro-muscularelectrical stimulation (NMES). Electrical stimulation is a great alternative tosurgery as this can be applied while you are sitting or even when you are doingexercise. It helps contract the weakened muscle.

Another way of treating foot drop is wearingAFOs that are Ankle Foot Orthoses. AFOs support the foot in a normal position.This device will stabilize your foot and ankle and hold the front part of yourfoot off the ground while you walk.

Kinesio taping is a technique to give dynamicsupport to your foot muscles.

Some of the exercises for foot drop are-

Marching Isometric: In this exercise, the dorsiflexors must hold theankle in neutral as gravity tries to pull the ankle into plantar flexion.

Unloaded Dorsiflexor Curl: Lift the foot upand down and try to squeeze the muscles on the front of the shin.

Step with Eccentric Control: go ahead and hitthe ground with your heels. Then, use your dorsiflexors eccentrically to slowlylower your foot to the ground.

Loaded Dorsiflexor Curl: With a band securedaround both feet, move the ankle through concentric and eccentric dorsiflexorcontractions.

For more queries and appointments call us at01149032333 / 8826627027 / 8826215518. Or Visit us at Website www.elitephysiotherapy.in , E-mail us at elitesportsphysio07@gmail.com. Video consultation is also available.