What causes drop foot?
The most common cause of foot drop is compression of a nerve in the leg that controls the muscles involved in lifting the foot. This nerve is called the peroneal nerve. A serious knee injury can lead to the nerve being compressed. It can also be injured during hip or knee replacement surgery, which may cause foot drop.
Can you make a brace for my footdrop?
Addressing drop foot typically involves the use of bracing techniques. At Lower Limb, we specialize in creating bespoke braces by taking a precise mould of your foot and ankle. This allows us to craft a custom brace equipped with a spring mechanism. This innovative feature comes into play when you need to lift your foot upwards—a movement often restricted by drop foot—where the spring aids in this motion. This type of brace, known as a Richie Brace, has been transformative for individuals affected by drop foot, significantly enhancing their mobility and quality of life.
What are the symptoms of drop foot?
The primary indication of foot drop is the inability to raise the front part of the foot, which can considerably impede walking. Individuals with foot drop often compensate by elevating their leg using the knee, adopting a high-stepping walk reminiscent of marching or ascending stairs.
How serious is foot drop?
Foot drop can get better on its own and with treatment, but sometimes it can be permanent. Less common causes of foot drop include: inherited conditions like Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease. muscle weakness caused by muscular dystrophy, spinal muscular atrophy or motor neurone disease.
