Are You Dragging Your Feet Getting Your Foot Drop Assessed?

Putting off treatment for a foot drop is never a good idea.

A foot drop or drop foot can be caused by a couple of different things but as the name denotes, results in the individual having difficulty lifting the toes and or foot. Not only is this a nuisance when you are attempting to walk, increasing the risk of tripping over the foot that you cannot lift, if left untreated it can also result in permanent nerve damage and muscle weakness.

A foot drop may be present because of a compressed nerve root in the lumbar spine causing motor weakness in the muscles along that particular nerve all the way down in the foot. It may also be caused by damage to a peripheral nerve. This can many times be assessed by evaluating the nerves with a simple nerve test. All foot drops can be serious but if yours is associated with fever, or loss of bowel or bladder control please seek help immediately.

Other potential causes of a foot drop include multiple sclerosis, diabetes, pressure palsies, and even tumor. The good news is that most foot drops, regardless of the source, are treatable. Treatment options include braces, splints, physical therapy, injection therapy, and even surgery depending on the case.

If you have a foot drop, it may be time to put your foot down and get the treatment you need. Watch your step. Put one foot in front of the other and make your way to Advanced Spine and Pain, where we will wait on you hand and foot.