Foot Drop in Scarborough

Foot drop is a condition that affects a person’s ability to lift the front part of the foot, leading to difficulty walking and an increased risk of tripping or falling. It occurs due to weakness or paralysis of the muscles responsible for foot movement, often resulting from nerve damage, muscular disorders, or neurological conditions. Managing foot drop effectively involves addressing its underlying causes and improving mobility through targeted therapies.

Causes of Foot Drop

Foot drop can develop due to various medical conditions that impact the nerves or muscles controlling foot movement. Some of the most common causes include:

• Neuropathy – Damage to the peroneal nerve, which controls foot dorsiflexion, can lead to foot drop. This nerve damage may result from prolonged pressure, trauma, or medical conditions such as diabetes.
• Spinal Disorders – Herniated discs, spinal cord injuries, or nerve compression can disrupt signals to the foot muscles, causing weakness.
• Neuromuscular Conditions – Disorders such as muscular dystrophy, multiple sclerosis, or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) can lead to progressive muscle weakness, affecting foot movement.
• Stroke – Damage to the brain can impair muscle control, sometimes leading to foot drop as a result of hemiparesis.
• Injuries – Direct trauma, fractures, or surgery involving the knee or lower leg may damage the peroneal nerve, resulting in foot drop.

Symptoms of Foot Drop

The primary symptom of foot drop is difficulty lifting the front part of the foot, which causes a dragging sensation when walking. Individuals with this condition may exhibit:

• A high-stepping gait (steppage gait) to compensate for foot weakness
• Frequent tripping or stumbling due to an inability to clear the foot while walking
• Numbness or tingling in the lower leg or foot if nerve damage is involved
• Muscle weakness or atrophy in the affected leg over time
• Difficulty maintaining balance and stability during movement

Therapy and Rehabilitation for Foot Drop

Managing foot drop involves a combination of therapeutic approaches to enhance mobility, strengthen muscles, and improve nerve function. Some of the key therapies include:

• Physiotherapy – A structured rehabilitation program can help restore movement and strength through targeted exercises. Techniques focus on improving foot flexibility, gait training, and muscle re-education.
• Neurological Physiotherapy – Beneficial for those with foot drop due to stroke, multiple sclerosis, or spinal cord injuries. This therapy focuses on retraining the nervous system to improve motor function.
• Custom Orthotics & Bracing – Ankle-foot orthoses (AFOs) provide stability, assist with foot positioning, and help individuals walk more comfortably.
• Registered Massage Therapy – Can help relieve muscle tension, promote circulation, and improve mobility in the affected leg.
• Acupuncture – May aid in nerve stimulation and pain management for individuals experiencing neuropathy-related foot drop.
• Motor Vehicle Accident Care – If foot drop is caused by trauma from an accident, rehabilitation programs can focus on restoring function and movement.
• WSIB Rehabilitation – Supports individuals recovering from work-related injuries that contribute to foot drop, providing therapy to improve function.

Supporting Functional Recovery

For individuals with foot drop, rehabilitation focuses on restoring movement, minimizing fall risks, and enhancing daily mobility. Gait training helps improve walking patterns, while muscle-strengthening exercises target the affected areas to regain control. Stretching techniques are often included to maintain flexibility and prevent stiffness.

Balance training is also crucial to ensure stability while walking. Therapists may use assistive devices such as braces, splints, or functional electrical stimulation (FES) to facilitate foot movement. A combination of active and passive exercises is used to improve coordination and prevent muscle atrophy.

Improving Daily Mobility

Individuals with foot drop may need to make adjustments to their daily routines to improve safety and comfort. Simple strategies such as using supportive footwear, avoiding uneven surfaces, and practicing regular exercises at home can enhance mobility. Therapy sessions focus on progressive training to help individuals regain confidence in their movements.

In cases where nerve damage is severe, long-term management may be necessary. A multidisciplinary approach ensures that individuals receive the most effective therapy to support their functional needs.

Book an Appointment with Us

If you are experiencing difficulty walking due to foot drop, we are here to provide therapy options designed to improve mobility and function. Our team offers therapy and rehabilitation programs that address the underlying causes of foot drop, helping you regain movement and stability. Contact us today to schedule an appointment and take the next step toward better mobility.