Foot drop

Diagnosis

The following will assist the healthcare provider diagnose foot drop.

• Physical examination: Physical examinations are typically used to identify foot drop. The healthcare provider will observe the patient walking and look for any weakening in the leg muscles. The doctor may also feel the top of the patient’s foot and toes for numbness.
• Imaging tests: The pressure of a tumor on a nerve can occasionally cause foot drop. A tumor or cyst pressing on the nerve in the knee or spine, or an expansion of bone in the spinal canal, are two possible causes. These abnormalities can sometimes be discovered with the assistance of imaging tests.
  • X-rays: A soft tissue tumor or a bone lesion that may be the source of the symptoms can be seen with simple X-rays, which emit very little radiation.
  • Ultrasound: This method can detect cysts, tumors, and swelling on the nerve caused by compression. It uses sound waves to create images of internal structures.
  • Computed tomography (CT) scan: This creates cross-sectional pictures of the body’s structures by combining X-ray images captured from numerous angles.
  • Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI): This examination produces highly detailed pictures of the bones and soft tissues using radio waves and a powerful magnetic field. MRI is very helpful for identifying soft tissue abnormalities that can be compressing a nerve.
• Blood test: particular blood tests, like a blood sugar test, to look for diabetes and diabetes-related neuropathy.
• Nerve tests: The electrical activity of the muscles and nerves is measured using nerve conduction studies and electromyography (EMG). These tests can be unpleasant, but they are helpful in locating the damage along the affected nerve.

Treatment

Foot drop treatment is dependent on the underlying cause. If the cause of foot drop is treatable and is effectively managed, there is a possibility that the condition may improve or even resolve completely. However, in cases where the cause is untreatable, foot drop may become a permanent condition.

Possible treatments for foot drop include:

• Physical therapy: Physical or occupational can help the patient keep their knee and ankle range of motion while also strengthening their leg muscles. These exercises may help with gait issues brought on by foot drop. To avoid stiffness in the calf and heel, stretching exercises are very crucial.
• Braces or splints: The equipment can help hold the foot in a normal position by wearing a splint that fits inside their shoe or an ankle and foot brace.
• Nerve stimulation: Foot drop can occasionally be improved by stimulating the nerve that elevates the foot.
• Surgery: Nerve surgery might be beneficial depending on the cause and if the foot drop is relatively recent. If foot drop has persisted for a while, the healthcare provider may advise surgery to improve function by moving a functioning tendon to another area of the foot.

In the case of persistent foot drop, the healthcare provider may advise fusing the bones of the ankle or foot, or the patient may undergo tendon surgery, in which a tendon from one leg is transferred to the problematic leg’s muscle to aid in pulling the foot up.