Foot drop

Jump to navigation Jump to search
Foot drop
ICD-10 M21.3
ICD-9 736.79


Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]

Associate Editor-In-Chief: Cafer Zorkun, M.D., Ph.D. [2]


Overview

Foot drop is a deficit in turning the ankle and toes upward (dorsiflexion). Conditions leading to foot drop may be neurologic, muscular or anatomic in origin, often with significant overlap.

Features

Foot drop is characterized by steppage gait. When the person with foot drop walks, the foot slaps down onto the floor. To compensate for the toe drop, the patient must raise the thigh excessively, as if walking upstairs. Individuals with foot drop are unable to walk on their heel, flex their ankle, or walk with the normal heel-toe pattern [3].

Patients with painful disorders of sensation (dysesthesia) of the soles of the feet may have a similar gait, but do not have foot drop. Because of the extreme pain evoked by even the slightest pressure on the feet, the patient walks as if walking barefoot on hot sand.

Pathophysiology

Conditions affecting the nervous system

Conditions affecting the musculature

Drugs

Toxins

  • Lead neuropathy (usually presents with wrist and finger drop, foot drop less common) (Adams and Victor)

Treatment

The underlying disorder must be treated. For example, if a spinal disc herniation in the low back is impinging on the nerve that goes to the leg and causing symptoms of foot drop, then the herniated disc should be treated.

Ankles can be stabilized by lightweight orthoses, and shoes can be fit with springs to prevent foot drop while walking. Regular exercise is usually prescribed.

The latest treatments include stimulation of the peroneal nerve that lifts the foot when you step. Many stroke and multiple sclerosis patients with foot drop have had success with it.

Devices have also been designed to regulate walking.

References

Template:Diseases of the musculoskeletal system and connective tissue

See also

External links


Template:WikiDoc Sources


nl:Klapvoet no:Droppfot