Drop foot

Drop foot (sometimes called foot drop) refers to an abnormality in an individual’s walking pattern, where the front of the foot drops down. Individuals who suffer will also have difficulty or inability to lift the front of the foot when it is raised off the ground. Orthotics are commonly used to support the ankle joint and support it in position, preventing the front of the foot from dropping down and catching on the ground. This can reduce the risk of trips and falls.

Common causes of Drop foot

Drop foot in itself is a symptom rather than a condition and is caused by weakness or paralysis in one or more of the muscles that are responsible for lifting and supporting the foot. This can be due to muscular damage or diseases which cause weakness.

Drop foot occur as a result of:

How can orthotics help?

Orthotics are used to restrict downwards movement or to assist with the lifting movement of the foot and support the ankle joint.

Depending on the severity of the condition an ankle foot orthosis (AFOs) can be made from soft or more rigid materials to provide the required amount of support to the ankle joint. These are discrete and fit into the shoe.

Common problems associated with Drop foot

Drop foot is usually most apparent when a person is walking. It can cause the toes to drag along the floor when an individual tries to swing their leg forward, often resulting in tripping or stumbling. Over time, foot drop often leads to muscular pain and postural difficulties due to compensatory movements at the hip or knee joint. Sometimes the bottom of the foot slaps down onto the ground when the foot moves into position after the heel makes contact with the ground to support the body during walking.

What might the assessment procedure involve?

An appointment would be made with an orthotist, in which a full initial assessment would be conducted. Your orthotist will ask you questions about your daily experiences and activities and your medical history. The orthotist will gently palpate your feet or foot and undertake a gait examination and watch you walk, paying attention to movements at your joints and making observations of how your body moves a single unit. Following this, your treatment options and goals will be discussed and a prescription made. Any devices that are required will be fabricated using materials chosen specifically to meet your requirements and then a fitting session arranged. All of our prescriptions and fittings are followed by a review to ensure that your treatment is effective and any adjustments can be made.

What types of orthosis might be effective?

A range of orthoses can be used to treat drop foot, depending on the severity or the condition and individual requirements.

Soft or rigid ankle foot orthoses (AFOs)

Soft or rigid ankle foot orthoses (AFOs) are effective at preventing the foot from dropping down. They can be custom made or off the shelf to provide support to the ankle joint and hold the foot in position. This removes strain from tissues which may be damaged and can aid in the healing of damaged muscles or overstrained tissues.

Silicone ankle foot orthoses (SAFOs)

Silicone ankle foot orthoses (SAFOs) offer a comfortable and cosmetic alternative to traditional AFOs, working in the same way to support the foot during walking.

Functional electrical stimulation (FES)

Functional electrical stimulation (FES) uses electrical impulses through small pads placed in contact with the skin to stimulate non-responsive muscles. It can offer a more discrete and cosmetic option for treatment of drop foot.

TurboMed

The TurboMed is a specialised type of orthosis designed specifically to assist more active patients suffering from drop foot. The device is worn externally around the shoe and ankle and enables a greater range of motion than more conventional styles of AFO. This can be a good option for individuals who are aiming to return to a more active lifestyle and have experienced issues with traditional splints.

ToeOff

The ToeOFF is another specialised design of AFO with enhanced energy return capabilities. The thin carbon fibre device fits inside of the shoe and assists at key stages of the gait cycle to assist patients with walking.

Foot Up

A Foot Up is a flexible device that is made from soft material which wraps around the ankle and attaches into the laces of the shoe. This provides simple but effective support in the treatment of flaccid drop foot.

How bad can it get?

Drop foot causes difficulty in walking and greatly increases the risk of tripping or falling. As a result, it can lead to serious injury for some patients. Compensatory movements such as hip hitching can place additional strains and stresses on other musculature within the body which can become a cause of pain over time. Damage to or compression of a nerve can mean that muscles continue to weaken over time due to inactivity. Following effective treatment, drop foot is a condition that may improve over time, however whilst there is still weakness present, intervention is necessary.

To arrange an appointment call Leeds Orthotics now on 0330 088 3949, or email us at office@leedsorthotics.co.uk