Foot drop
Foot Drop
Foot drop (pronounced: /fʊt drɒp/), also known as drop foot, is a medical condition characterized by the inability to lift the front part of the foot, which causes the toes to drag along the ground while walking.
Etymology
The term "foot drop" is derived from the English words "foot" and "drop", which describe the main symptom of the condition - the dropping of the foot.
Definition
Foot drop is a gait abnormality in which the dropping of the forefoot happens due to weakness, irritation or damage to the common fibular nerve including the sciatic nerve, or paralysis of the muscles in the anterior portion of the lower leg. It is usually a symptom of a greater problem, not a disease in itself.
Symptoms
Symptoms of foot drop may include:
- Dragging the foot or toes on the ground while walking
- A high stepping walk (steppage gait)
- Numbness on the top of the foot or toes
- Difficulty climbing stairs
Causes
Foot drop is caused by weakness or paralysis of the muscles involved in lifting the front part of the foot. Causes of foot drop might include: nerve injury, brain or spinal disorders, and muscle disorders.
Treatment
Treatment for foot drop depends on the cause. If the cause is successfully treated, foot drop might improve or even disappear. If treatment isn't successful, foot drop can be permanent.
Related Terms
- Gait abnormality
- Common fibular nerve
- Sciatic nerve
- Paralysis
- Nerve injury
- Brain disorders
- Spinal disorders
- Muscle disorders
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Foot drop
- Wikipedia's article - Foot drop
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